1999 Wide AM Penny: Identifying the Rare Reverse Variety

The 1999 Wide AM Lincoln cent is the mirror counterpart to the 1992 Close AM. A reverse die intended for proof coinage was accidentally used to strike circulation cents in 1999, creating coins with a noticeably wider gap between the A and M of AMERICA. Examples have sold for $500 to $1,500.

How to Identify the 1999 Wide AM

Examine the reverse word AMERICA. On a normal 1999 cent the A and M nearly touch. On the Wide AM variety there is a clear, visible gap between them — about the width of one of the letters.

Why It Is Rare

The Wide AM reverse was supposed to be used only on proof coinage. A small number of proof dies were mistakenly used for business strikes. The variety exists for 1998 and 2000 as well, but 1999 is the rarest.

What It Is Worth

1999 Wide AM cents in circulated condition sell for $200 to $500. Uncirculated red specimens regularly fetch $1,000 to $1,500.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tell a Wide AM from a normal 1999 penny?

On a normal 1999 cent the letters A and M in AMERICA nearly touch. On the Wide AM, there is a clear gap between them.

Are 1998 and 2000 Wide AM cents valuable too?

Yes, but they are more common than the 1999 variety and sell for less.

How much is a 1999 Wide AM penny worth?

Circulated examples bring $200 to $500. Uncirculated red specimens sell for $1,000 to $1,500.

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