Price Guide for 1902 Nickel 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: $7.00 – $106.00Uncirculated: $57.00 – $29,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50 – $348.96Uncirculated: $32.00 – $1,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $110.00Uncirculated: $120.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $141.00 – $598.00Uncirculated: $1.25 – $9,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $100.99Uncirculated: $142.50 – $2,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $288.00 – $15,862.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $20,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1902 Nickel
The 1902 Liberty Head (V) Nickel was part of a series that ran from 1883 to 1912. This coin design, created by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a Roman numeral V surrounded by a wreath on the reverse. The design was controversial when first released in 1883 because it lacked the word ‘CENTS’, leading some to gold-plate the coins and pass them off as $5 gold pieces. This issue was quickly resolved, and by 1902, the coin design was well-established in circulation.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (V Nickel), designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding Roman numeral V, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1902 Liberty Head Nickel significantly impacts its value. While common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become progressively more valuable. Coins graded MS65 or higher are considered scarce and command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting the coin’s value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s hair and the wreath, are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significantly to the coin’s appeal and value.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from noticeable marks, scratches, or other imperfections are highly sought after.
Mintage: 31,487,561
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Toning can play a role in the coin’s desirability. Natural, attractive toning can enhance the value, particularly for high-grade specimens. However, unattractive or artificial toning can detract from the coin’s value.
The 1902 Nickel is not considered a key date in the series, but high-grade examples are always in demand among collectors trying to complete high-quality sets. The large mintage ensures that this coin is readily available for collectors, but finding premium quality specimens can be challenging, which drives up prices for exceptional examples.
