🪙 Imagine finding a penny worth up to $25,000 in your change jar. That’s exactly the story behind the 1992 “Close AM” Lincoln cent — one of the most exciting and valuable transitional errors in U.S. coin collecting.
This little design mistake has turned an ordinary-looking coin into a five-figure collectible. Let’s break down how to identify one and why it’s so valuable.
🔍 Key Features to Spot the 1992 Close AM Penny
➡️ Reverse Design (The Big Giveaway):
- Look closely at the word “AMERICA” on the back.
- On the rare error coin, the “A” and “M” are nearly touching (Close AM).
- On normal 1992 cents, the “A” and “M” are clearly spaced apart (Wide AM).
➡️ Obverse Details:
- Standard 1992 Lincoln cent obverse (with or without “D” mintmark).
- Exists for 1992 (Philadelphia) and the even rarer 1992-D (Denver Mint).
🧬 Why This Error Exists
✅ The U.S. Mint accidentally used a proof coin reverse die for some business strikes.
✅ Only a tiny batch escaped into circulation.
✅ Listed in the Cherrypickers’ Guide as FS-901, confirming its official status.
✅ One of the rarest Lincoln Memorial cent varieties known.
💰 Market Value Breakdown (2024 Prices)
| Grade | Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|
| MS-63 RD | $8,000–$12,000 | $13,200 |
| MS-65 RD | $15,000–$20,000 💎 | $25,850 🏆 |
| MS-67 RD | Extremely Rare | Not Publicly Sold |
👉 Fun Fact: A 1992-D Close AM penny in MS-67 RD sold for $25,850 at Heritage Auctions.
🔐 How Experts Authenticate the Close AM
1️⃣ Check the “AM” Spacing – Almost touching, unlike the normal Wide AM.
2️⃣ Mintmark Analysis – Look for “1992” or “1992-D” with no damage.
3️⃣ Designer Initials (FG) – Position helps confirm proof die usage.
4️⃣ Grade & Color – “RD” (Red) coins bring the highest prices.
5️⃣ Certification – Send to PCGS or NGC for FS-901 label.
🎯 Why Collectors Pay Up to $25,000
✔️ Fewer than 20 examples of the 1992-D Close AM are known.
✔️ Error was never intended for circulation.
✔️ Nearly impossible to spot without magnification.
✔️ Highly desired by Lincoln cent registry set collectors.
💼 Selling Strategies for Rare Examples
🪙 Auction Houses:
- Heritage Auctions (U.S. Signature Series)
- GreatCollections
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions
🤝 Private Sales:
- Direct to elite Lincoln cent specialists
- Inclusion in transitional error registry sets
⚠️ Authentication is key! A certified coin is the only way to secure 5-figure offers.
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