Are Jefferson nickels worth collecting? How much are 2002 nickels worth? Whether you are a beginner or veteran, your dream is to build a high-value collection and the good news is that you have come to the right place! Our 2002 nickel errors list will reveal some of the most valuable nickels worth adding to your collection.
In 2002, the United States Mint produced millions of Jefferson nickels at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, making these coins extremely commo. Finding Full-Step nickels graded MS65 is fairly easy as the Mint struck many examples of such coins.
Circulated 2002 nickels are only worth their face value. As mentioned, uncirculated examples are plentiful and are not worth much either, with the exception of those graded MS67 and above.
So, are 2002 nickel errors worth collecting? If you know what to look for, these coins can be worth searching for and adding to your collection. One of the best or most profitable ways to collect 2002 nickels is collecting error coins.
As our 2002 nickels error list will reveal, these coins can be worth a fortune. Of course, not all errors are valuable but if you know how to spot the right ones, you can build a high value nickels collection.
So, are you ready to discover nickels worth collecting? Read on—our list of 2002 nickel errors will reveal some high-value error coins you should definitely add to your collection!
1. 2002-P MS67 Jefferson Nickel Die Clash Error
One of the errors you might come across when collecting 2002 Jefferson nickels is the die clash. As the name implies, this error occurs when the dies strike each other without a planchet between them. This results in the design from one die being transferred partially onto the other.
When a planchet is eventually placed between the dies, it receives a ghostly, layered impression of the mashed-up design from the two dies. The value of the die clash error will usually depend on the sharpness of the strike, with stronger strikes fetching more.
In 2017, a collector at a Heritage Auctions sale paid an impressive $895 for this 2002-P MS67 Nickel Die Clash Error, making this a nice addition to your collection.
2. 2002-D MS66 Nickel Off-Center Strike Error
Another error that comes up when collecting 2002 nickels is the off-center strike. This error occurs when the planchet is struck while improperly positioned within the collar, resulting in the design being impressed away from the center and more toward the coin’s edge.
Unlike on a broad-struck error coin, an off-center error coin will have part of its design missing or distorted while the rest of the coin’s details remain intact. The value of an off-center strike will usually depend on the percentage of “offness’’—for example a coin with a 25% off-center strike will usually be more valuable than one with a 5% off-center strike.
In 2021, a collector paid a remarkable $720 at Stack’s Bower auction for this 2002-D nickel graded MS66 with an off-center strike error.
3. 2002-P MS65 Jefferson Nickel Broad-strike Error
The next one on our 2002 nickel errors list is the broad-strike also known as a broad-struck error. This error is a result of a coin being struck outside the collar, which shapes the coin and retains its diameter during striking.
A broad-struck error coin will have a stretched-out, flattened edge that extends beyond its usual dimensions. The reeded edge typically seen on nickels may also be missing, giving the coin a smooth appearance.
In 2015, a collector bought this rare 2002-P Nickel graded MS65 with a broad-strike error for an impressive $680 at a competitive eBay auction.
4. 2002-D MS69 Nickel Cud Error
Another 2002 error worth collecting is the cud error. There are many types of cud errors, some of which occur on the coin’s surface while others are formed on the rim or edge but all form more or less the same way.
A cud error occurs when part of the die’s surface breaks, causing metal to flow into the gap left behind. This creates a raised bump, usually along the coin’s rim, with larger bumps being more valuable than smaller ones.
In 2019, a collector paid a remarkable $1,200 for this 2002-D MS69 Nickel with a rim cud error. The large cud on the reverse extended from the from 2 o’clock to 4 o’clock positions on the coin, making this a unique and highly-sought after addition to your Jefferson nickels collection.
5. 2002-P MS66 Nickel Double Die Obverse Error
One of the most common and easiest errors to add to your collection is the doubled die. This error occurs during the die-creation process when the die receives a misaligned second hubbing. This doubling is then transferred to the final coin, resulting in a doubled die error.
The value of such an error usually depends on the intensity of doubling—coins in which the doubling is sharp and clear will typically be worth more than those with only subtle doubling.
In 2023, Heritage Auctions sold a 2002-P nickel graded MS66 with a doubled die error for an outstanding $1,150. The coin displayed significant doubling on the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and on Jefferson’s portrait too. There is no doubt that a doubled die is an error worth pursuing when collecting your 2002 nickels.
6. 2002-D MS65 Nickel Die Cap Error
The next one on our 2002 nickel errors list is the die cap. This error isn’t too common in the 2002 nickels series but it can be worth a premium especially in higher grades.
A die cap occurs when a planchet fails to exit the coining press the first time it is struck, and instead sticks to the obverse or reverse die and remains there. After multiple strikes, the planchet takes on the die’s shape, becoming like a cap. As the coin is struck repeatedly, the obverse design becomes wrapped, creating an eye-catching effect.
In 2008, the GreatCollections sold a 2002-D nickel graded MS65 with a die cap error for an outstanding $765. The coin featured a dramatic distortion on the obverse while the details on the reverse were conspicuously flattened.
7. 2002-D MS67 Nickel Misaligned Die Error
When collecting 2002 nickels you might come across a peculiar error known as a misaligned die error. This minting flaw occurs when one of the dies is slightly out of alignment.
For example, the reverse die may remain perfectly centered while the obverse die might be offset, creating an interesting visual imbalance. A misaligned error shows how small deviations can result in significant errors.
Usually, the value of a misaligned error will depend on the extent of misalignment with larger offsets being more valuable. For example, a coin with a 40% misalignment with generally be more valuable than one with a 5% misalignment.
In 2020, a collector on eBay paid an impressive $710 for this 2002-D nickel graded MS67 with a misaligned die error. The coin featured a noticeable misalignment of the obverse design, with the inscriptions appearing more toward the edge than usual.
8. 2002-D MS66 Nickel Partial Collar Error
Another 2002 nickel error worth adding to your collection is the partial collar. This error occurs when the planchet is struck when not fully seated in the collar, resulting in a distinctive ridge on the coin’s edge, almost like an extra rim when observed from the side.
Partial collar errors are relatively rare but existing examples can be worth good money. For example, in 2007, Heritage Auctions sold this 2002-D MS66 nickel with a partial collar error for an admirable $650, making this an excellent addition to your Jefferson nickels collection.
9. 2002-P MS68 Nickel Split Planchet Error
Another interesting error that often comes up in the 2002 nickels series is the split planchet. This error occurs when impurities or structural weaknesses in the metal strip cause the planchets to split before or during minting. Eventually, the mint produces a coin with a split on the obverse or reverse surface.
Generally, the more dramatic the split, the more valuable the error tends to be. In a 2002 GreatCollections auction, a collector paid a whopping $945 for this 2002-P Jefferson nickel graded MS68 with a split planchet error on the obverse where the coin featured a raised, relatively rough and uneven split. You should definitely consider yourself lucky if you come across this rare split planchet error coin.
10. 2002-D MS67 Nickel Double Struck Error
An error worth adding to your collection is the double struck. This is an error in which the coin is struck twice, with the second strike being slightly misaligned.
If you come across a nickel with two impressions of the obverse or reverse design, you probably have a double struck error. You might notice that the obverse features two images of Jefferson’s portrait or the torch and olive branch image might appear twice on the reverse of the nickel.
In 2019, Stack’s Bower sold a 2002-D nickel graded MS67 with a double struck error for an eye-watering $1,090, making this an error worth pursuing for your collection.
Summary
If you are looking to elevate the value of your nickels collection, collecting errors is the way to go! As our 2002 nickels errors list shows, this Jefferson nickel series offers a treasure trove of fascinating errors worth hundreds and even thousands. From dramatic die caps to rare split planchet and off-center strikes, these coins will add immense value to your collection if you know what to look for. Start collecting today and uncover the hidden gems in 2002 nickels errors!
