Overview: Rare 2002 Quarter Errors Worth Money
Collectors prize state quarters from 2002 when serious minting errors show up. This guide lists the rare error types you might find on 2002 quarters and explains how to identify and monetize them.
How error value is determined
Value depends on error severity, rarity, eye appeal, and third-party authentication. Even small errors can be worth more than face value if they are dramatic or well-documented.
Full list of rare 2002 quarter errors
The following error types appear on 2002 state quarters (Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, Mississippi) and on general Washington quarters from that production year. Each entry explains what to look for and why collectors pay for them.
Doubled Die (Obverse or Reverse)
Doubled die errors show clear doubling of letters, dates, or design features caused during die creation. Look closely at the date, the motto, and state name on state quarters.
Why it matters: Distinct doubling can be rare and eye-catching. Well-documented doubled dies graded by a reputable service often command strong premiums.
Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes occur when the die and planchet are misaligned during striking. The exposed portion of the design may be partial or cut off.
Why it matters: Larger off-center strikes (20% or more) are more valuable. Coins with an attractive partial design are sought after by error collectors.
Clipped Planchets and Cuds
Clipped planchets show a curved missing section where the metal was not cut correctly. Cuds are raised blank areas where part of the die has broken away and no design was struck.
Why it matters: Clean, well-shaped clips and large cuds are easier to grade and sell. They are often found in circulation and can be valuable after authentication.
Broadstrikes
Broadstrikes are coins struck without the retaining collar, causing them to expand and lose reeded edges. The surfaces may be flat and the rim weak.
Why it matters: Broadstruck quarters with full designs and good eye appeal are collectible. Very pronounced broadstrikes are rare and attract strong interest.
Repunched or Missing Mint Mark
Repunching occurs when the mint mark is punched more than once, leaving evidence of a second impression. A missing mint mark on a coin that should have one is also an error.
Why it matters: RPMs (repunched mint marks) and mint mark omissions can be subtle but valuable if clearly visible and authenticated.
Die Cracks, Die Breaks, and Die Cuds
Die cracks show raised lines on the struck coin where the die split. Die breaks or cuds can remove design elements and create unusual raised blobs or voids.
Why it matters: Some die cracks are common, but large, dramatic breaks or cuds on a 2002 quarter can be unusual and collectible.
Struck on Wrong Planchet
This includes quarters struck on dime, nickel, or foreign planchets. The diameter, thickness, or metal composition will not match a standard quarter.
Why it matters: Wrong-planchet strikes are rare and generally more valuable because they are visually obvious and easily authenticated.
Lamination and Planchet Flaws
Planchet laminations are flaking or peeling metal on the surface. Other planchet flaws include voids, cracks, or inclusions in the metal.
Why it matters: Severe lamination can produce dramatic visual effects and can fetch premiums if the piece remains stable after grading.
Edge Errors and Reed Variations
Edge errors include missing reeding, extra reed counts, or irregular edge bands. These are less common on modern quarters but do occur.
Why it matters: A well-documented edge error, particularly combined with other errors, increases collectibility.
How to inspect a 2002 quarter for errors
- Use a loupe (10x) and bright light to check dates, mint marks, and doubling.
- Compare suspected errors to a standard reference image for the 2002 state design.
- Weigh and measure coins that look like wrong-planchet candidates to spot size or metal differences.
Well-photographed error quarters that are slabbed by third-party graders like PCGS or NGC typically sell for significantly more than raw examples because buyers trust authentication and grade.
Case study: Turning a discovered error into value
A hobbyist found a 2002 Tennessee quarter with a clear off-center strike in a change roll. They photographed the coin, compared it to online examples, and submitted high-resolution images to a coin forum for feedback.
After community confirmation, the collector sent the coin to an independent grading service for authentication. The slabbed coin sold on an auction site to a specialist error collector for a premium over face value. Authentication and clear documentation were key to unlocking value.
Selling and authentication steps
- Document the coin with multiple high-resolution photos under even lighting.
- Get opinions from reputable coin forums or local dealers before grading.
- Consider third-party grading/authentication (PCGS, NGC) for significant errors.
- List on specialist auction sites or error-focused auctions with photos and provenance.
Final tips for collectors
Keep expectations realistic: not all errors are valuable, but dramatic or rare examples can be worth hundreds or more. Prioritize authentication for any coin you suspect is a high-value error.
Learn typical normal varieties of each 2002 state design so you can spot true errors. A careful eye and good documentation often make the difference between a curiosity and a saleable find.
