we love showing you how everyday pocket change can turn into big-time value—and this time, it might just be enough to buy a PS5!
There are three modern Lincoln pennies with a subtle but valuable error that collectors are chasing—and yes, one recently sold for $660. Here’s how to spot them.
🎯 The PS5 Penny: What to Look For
PS5s retail for about $500, but some pennies from just 25 years ago are selling for even more! Here’s how to cash in.
1️⃣ 1999 Lincoln Cent – Wide “AM” Error
Flip the coin to the reverse (back), and check the word “AMERICA.”
Look closely at the letters A and M:
📌 What to spot:
- The A and M in “AMERICA” are separated, not touching.
- This is called the “Wide AM” variety.
💰 Value:
- Ungraded examples: $110+
- In top condition: $660 (one just sold!)
- That’s enough to buy a brand new PS5!
🎁 BONUS: Two More Years with the Same Error
You’re in luck—this valuable Wide AM error also appears in two more years:
2️⃣ 1998 Lincoln Cent – Wide AM
💰 Value: $30+
Common but collectible. Even modest-condition coins sell well.
3️⃣ 2000 Lincoln Cent – Wide AM
💰 Value: $25–$30
Still flying under the radar, but collectors are scooping them up fast.
🔍 How to Spot a Wide AM Penny
✅ Flip the coin and check the spacing in “AMERICA”
✅ If A and M are NOT touching, you might have a winner
✅ Compare it to a standard coin from a different year for reference
✅ Use a 10x magnifier for precision
💸 Where to Sell Wide AM Error Pennies
- eBay – Great platform for verified errors
- Facebook Coin Groups – Sell directly to collectors
- Local Coin Shops – Call ahead to check if they buy errors
- Online Auctions – Consider submission if coin is high grade
💡 Pro Tip: Coins in high mint-state condition (no wear) sell for the most—consider getting yours graded by PCGS or NGC if it looks pristine.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
❌ Don’t mistake normal spacing for the error—compare carefully
❌ Don’t clean the coin—it kills collector value
❌ Don’t assume all 1998–2000 pennies have this error—check each one
🧠 Final Verdict: Should You Check Your Pennies?
✅ YES if:
- You handle a lot of coins or rolls
- You have a magnifier or high-res phone camera
- You’re looking for easy $25–$660 flips
❌ NO if:
- You won’t take time to verify spacing
- You expect every coin from these years to be valuable
📸 Found One? Here’s What to Do:
- Take clear, zoomed-in photos of the AM in “AMERICA”
- Check weight and condition
- Post in trusted coin forums for feedback
- List for sale—or submit for grading if it’s minty
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