Price Guide for 1902 Dime Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12.00 – $646.00Uncirculated: $6.25 – $12,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.25 – $441.00Uncirculated: $355.77 – $1,257.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $475.00Uncirculated: $510.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $138.00Uncirculated: $50.00 – $5,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.25 – $175.00Uncirculated: $36.09 – $855.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $195.00Uncirculated: $210.00 – $4,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.00 – $374.00Uncirculated: $10.50 – $21,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.67 – $321.00Uncirculated: $165.95 – $2,362.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $475.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $184.00 – $3,000.00Uncirculated: $1.45 – $17,258.00
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eBayUncirculated: $280.93 – $2,201.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $345.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,358.00 – $3,055.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,050.00 – $7,250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1902 Dime
The 1902 Dime is part of the Barber Dime series, which was minted from 1892 to 1916. This design, created by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, replaced the long-running Seated Liberty design. The Barber Dime was part of a broader redesign effort that included the quarter and half dollar, aiming to modernize American coinage at the turn of the 20th century.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (Barber), designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Wreath enclosing denomination, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1902 Dime significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively common and affordable, but uncirculated specimens, especially those in grades MS65 and above, are scarce and highly sought after. The San Francisco mint coins, in particular, are challenging to find in high grades.
Collectors pay close attention to strike quality, luster, and the presence of contact marks. Full strike details on Liberty’s head and the wreath on the reverse are desirable. Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
Mintage: 21,380,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 4,500,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 2,070,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
Toning can significantly affect a 1902 Dime’s value. Naturally toned coins with attractive, rainbow-like colors are highly prized by collectors and can command substantial premiums. However, artificial toning is generally viewed negatively.
The presence of the full LIBERTY on the headband is another factor that can increase value, especially in higher grades. Coins with all letters visible are more desirable.
For the San Francisco mint coins, their lower mintage and key date status make them particularly valuable in all grades, with exceptional premiums for high-grade examples.
