1902 1c MS RB

1902 Cent Production: This was another record year of production. Possibly in an effort to extend the die life, the gap between the dies was set a bit wider. Cents of this date show weakness in the feather tips and bust point a bit more often than other dates. The shield and denticles are also typically weak. Some of the dies have the design sunk slightly deeper, which also contributed to the weakness encountered on this year’s coinage.

Survivability: These circulated widely and were not plucked from circulation until the late 1940’s.

Collecting Challenges: Choose problem-free examples with exceptional eye appeal.

Collecting Circulated Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for circulated coins is AU-50 to MS-63RB. This date is common in the context of the later Indian Head cents. Search for well-struck examples with full details on the shield.

Collecting Mint State Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for Mint State coins is MS-65RD. These are available in all grades. MS-65RD and higher grades are diffcult to find. One roll, possibly two, showed up in the late 1990’s, with many coins graded MS-65RD, but with numerous light carbon spots.

Collecting Proof Issues: The 1902 Proof comes very attractive and is one of the most common dates in the series in gem condition. This is due to the chance survival of a few exceptional coins, as the mintage is fairly low for the series. Early-die-state coins come with fine die-polishing lines. During this year, and the next two, a change in die preparation eliminated the cameo contrast on most denominations. Only the first couple of coins minted from a die will have any contrast between the devices and field. Coins of this date designated as cameos are very rare.

14 varieties are presently known, mostly repunched dates. Snow-4 has a dramatic die gouge by the eye on the portrait. It is very similar to the 1890-CC “Tail Bar” Morgan silver dollar.