Many collectors and casual savers find interesting mistakes on modern coins. The 2002 Washington and state quarters produced a variety of error types that sometimes sell for premiums. This guide lists the rare 2002 quarter errors to watch for, how to identify them, and what they might be worth.
Full list of 2002 Quarter Errors
Below is a practical, searchable list of recognized error types on 2002 quarters. Each entry explains what to look for and the typical market impact.
1. Doubled Die 2002 Quarter Errors
Doubled dies show duplicated design elements caused during die sinking. On 2002 quarters look for doubled letters, dates, or portrait features on the obverse or doubled state details on the reverse.
Identification tips: Use 5x–10x magnification and compare to a normal coin. Strong doubling is clearer along high-relief areas like the date or LINCOLN.
Value range: Minor doubling may be $20–$100; strong, dramatic doubling graded by a third-party service can fetch several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
2. Off-Center Strike 2002 Quarter Errors
Off-center strikes occur when a coin is struck outside the intended center. The missing design will make it obvious where the strike shifted.
Identification tips: Measure percent off-center—larger offsets are rarer. Anything over 10% is collectible; 25%–50% and higher are especially desirable.
Value range: Small offsets may be $20–$75, while very large offsets or aesthetically pleasing off-centers can sell for several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
3. Clipped Planchet and Broadstrike Errors
Clipped planchets are missing metal from the edge, creating a curved or straight clip. Broadstrikes happen when a coin is struck outside the collar and spreads out wider than normal.
Identification tips: Clips have smooth, consistent edges and follow the planchet curve; broadstrikes show a wider diameter and may lack reeded edge fully.
Value range: Clipped planchets in good strike often bring $50–$300; broadstrikes with strong detail may reach several hundred dollars.
4. Missing Clad Layer and Wrong Planchet
Some modern quarters show the copper core where the outer layers are missing, producing a copper-colored quarter. Wrong planchet errors—where a quarter is struck on a smaller or different coin planchet—are rarer.
Identification tips: Look for exposed copper or odd thickness/size. Wrong planchets will often be noticeably different in diameter and weight.
Value range: Missing clad pieces can be worth $100–$1,000 depending on how extreme the error is; wrong planchets command strong collector interest and higher premiums.
5. Die Breaks, Cuds, and Die Clashes
Die breaks and cuds create raised blobs or missing details where the die has broken down. Die clashes leave ghost images of opposite-side design elements transferred onto the coin.
Identification tips: Look for raised lumps (cuds) near the rim or strange, out-of-place lines and images from the opposite side. These are usually unique to a die pair.
Value range: Most die break/clash examples are modestly priced ($20–$200) unless the feature is dramatic or on a scarce variety.
6. Repunched or Missing Mint Mark
Repunched mint marks (RPM) occur when the mint mark is punched more than once in slightly different positions. A missing mint mark on a mint-marked strike is rarer and notable.
Identification tips: Use magnification and examine the mint mark area closely for doubling or the total absence of a mark where one should be.
Value range: RPMs are typically modestly collectible ($25–$250); truly rare mint-mark anomalies can be more valuable.
How to confirm and value 2002 quarter errors
Confirming an error involves careful inspection, comparison, and, when warranted, third-party grading. Professional grading companies will authenticate and assign a grade, which helps when selling.
Steps to confirm an error:
- Examine under good light and magnification (5x–30x).
- Compare to a known normal specimen.
- Photograph the coin clearly from multiple angles.
- Get opinions from reputable coin forums or dealers.
- Consider third-party certification for high-value coins.
Modern errors on circulating coins can be valuable because they are visually distinctive and often occur in small numbers. Errors found in pocket change are sometimes the most profitable discoveries for everyday collectors.
Case study: Real-world example of a 2002 quarter error
A collector reported finding a 2002 state quarter with a large off-center strike while sorting coins at home. The coin showed about 40% of the obverse missing, with the reverse partially visible.
After photographing it and posting to a collector forum, the coin was submitted to a local dealer and then to a grading service. The certified off-center error sold at a regional coin auction for approximately $850, a significant premium over face value.
This example shows that careful documentation and authentication can convert a chance find into a solid sale.
Selling and storing your 2002 quarter errors
If you believe you have a valuable error, avoid cleaning or altering the coin. Packaging in soft flips or coin holders and documenting the find date and chain of custody helps resale.
Where to sell:
- Local coin dealers and coin shows
- Online auction sites and specialist error-coin forums
- Third-party auction houses for high-value pieces
Tip: For coins likely worth several hundred dollars or more, get professional certification before a major sale to maximize buyer confidence.
Final checklist for finding rare 2002 quarter errors
- Look for doubling, off-center strikes, clips, broadstrikes, and exposed copper.
- Use magnification and compare to a known normal coin.
- Document, do not clean, and consult experts if the error looks significant.
- Consider grading for coins with expected value over a few hundred dollars.
Following these steps will help you identify and realize value from rare 2002 quarter errors. Careful inspection and proper documentation are the two most important practices for any coin collector.
