The Close AM and Wide AM varieties are among the most exciting modern Lincoln cent finds. The spacing between the A and M in AMERICA on the reverse differs between business strike and proof dies, and certain year/type combinations are extremely rare and valuable.
Upload a photo and let ErrorHunt AI scan it instantly.
Scan My CoinBusiness strike 1992 pennies normally have Wide AM spacing. A small number were struck from proof dies with Close AM spacing, making them extremely rare.
How to check: Examine the AM in AMERICA on the reverse. If the A and M nearly touch at the base, it is the rare Close AM variety.
$5,000 - $25,000+Business strike 1998 pennies normally have Close AM. A few were struck from business dies with Wide AM spacing.
How to check: Check the AM in AMERICA on the reverse. If A and M are clearly separated at the base, it is the Wide AM variety.
$100 - $500Similar to the 1998, some 1999 pennies show Wide AM spacing instead of the expected Close AM.
How to check: Check the AM in AMERICA on the reverse for clear separation between the letters at their base.
$100 - $500Some 2000 pennies show Wide AM spacing. This is the most common of the Wide AM varieties but still collectable.
How to check: Examine the AM spacing in AMERICA on the reverse.
$25 - $200It refers to the spacing between A and M in AMERICA on the reverse of Lincoln cents. Proof dies and business strike dies used different spacing, and occasionally the wrong dies were used, creating rare varieties.
A genuine 1992 Close AM Lincoln cent is worth $5,000 to $25,000+, making it one of the most valuable modern Lincoln cent errors.
Flip the coin to the reverse and look at AMERICA. Focus on the base of the A and M. Close AM means they nearly touch. Wide AM means clear separation. Upload to ErrorHunt for AI verification.
ErrorHunt AI detects 67+ error types with 99.9% accuracy. Upload a photo now.
Scan My Coin Now