The 1999 Lincoln cent is famous for the rare Wide AM reverse variety, where the letters A and M in AMERICA are spaced apart instead of touching. This variety was meant only for proof coins but accidentally appeared on a small number of business strikes, making them highly valuable. 1999 also produced doubled dies and off-center strikes worth checking for.
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Scan My CoinThe proof reverse die was used to strike a small number of regular business-strike pennies. The letters A and M in AMERICA are clearly separated instead of touching at the base.
How to check: Examine the bottom of A and M in AMERICA. If there is a clear gap between the letters, you have a Wide AM. The FG initials are also positioned farther from the Memorial.
$300 - $1,500+Hub doubling visible on LIBERTY, the date, or IN GOD WE TRUST.
How to check: Use a 10x loupe to examine LIBERTY for split serifs or shadow doubling on the date.
$25 - $250Planchet not properly aligned at strike, producing a partial design with a blank crescent.
How to check: Look for an obviously uncentered design. The full date must remain visible for maximum value.
$10 - $150+Minor die cracks visible as raised lines through the design or along the rim.
How to check: Look for thin raised lines that don't follow the design — these are die cracks, not damage.
$5 - $50Insufficient pressure produces a coin with soft, mushy details.
How to check: Compare to a sharply struck 1999 cent — a weak strike will lack detail in Lincoln's hair and the Memorial steps.
$2 - $20A 1999 Wide AM penny in circulated condition typically sells for $300 to $600. Mint state examples can reach $1,000 to $1,500 or more depending on condition.
Look at the bottom of the letters A and M in AMERICA on the reverse. If they are clearly separated with a visible gap, you have the Wide AM variety. On a normal 1999 reverse, A and M nearly touch.
Most 1999 pennies are common, but the 1999 Wide AM is a known scarce variety worth hundreds. Doubled dies and major mint errors also carry premiums. Scan with ErrorHunt to check yours instantly.
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