Most people glance at their pocket change without a second thought. But did you know a simple 1992 Lincoln cent could be worth over $1,500 if it has a rare design variety known as the “Close AM” error?
This subtle detail transforms an ordinary penny into a collector’s treasure. Here’s how to find one in your own change.
💡 What Is the 1992 Close AM Penny?
In 1992, a rare design mix-up at the U.S. Mint created a special variety of Lincoln cents. On these coins, the “A” and “M” in AMERICA on the reverse are spaced much closer together than usual.
There are two versions to look for:
✔ Normal 1992 Penny (Wide AM) – The “A” and “M” are clearly separated
✔ Rare 1992 Penny (Close AM) – The “A” and “M” almost touch
It’s a tiny difference, but one that can mean the difference between 1 cent and $1,500+.
💲 Value of the 1992 Close AM Penny
Recent sales confirm the demand for this variety:
- Circulated examples: $500 – $1,000
- Higher-grade coins: $1,200 – $1,500+
- Mint State (uncirculated): Can exceed $2,000 at auction
👉 Both the 1992 Close AM (Philadelphia) and the 1992-D Close AM (Denver) are considered valuable finds.
🔍 How to Identify the Close AM Variety
- Check the Reverse – Look at the word AMERICA
- Focus on the A & M – Are they nearly touching? That’s the Close AM
- Compare With Normal – On the standard 1992 cent, the letters are farther apart
- Look for Sharp Detail – Avoid damaged or worn coins, as spacing is harder to confirm
⚠️ Pro Tip: Use a magnifying glass or zoomed-in phone camera to inspect the spacing.
📈 Why Collectors Pay Big Money
✔ Extremely low mintage error – only a handful confirmed
✔ Known as one of the most famous Lincoln cent varieties
✔ Easy to miss unless you know what to look for
✔ High demand from penny and error collectors
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