It looks like an ordinary penny, but a rare 1999 Lincoln Cent with a small design difference has been selling for nearly $4,000 at auction. The secret? It’s all in the back of the coin. Let’s break it down. 👀
🔍 What Makes This 1999 Penny So Special?
This variety exists thanks to a minting mix-up:
✅ Wide AM Reverse – On most 1999 pennies, the letters A and M in AMERICA touch. On this rare version, there’s a clear gap.
✅ Proof Die Used by Mistake – Dies meant for proof coins were accidentally used on circulation strikes.
📈 Value Breakdown – How Much Is It Worth?
| Grade | Approx. Value 💵 |
|---|---|
| AU-58 | $200 – $500 |
| MS-63 RD | $800 – $1,200 |
| MS-65 RD | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| MS-67 RD | $4,000+ |
💡 “RD” means full red color, which is highly prized by collectors.
🗝 How to Spot the 1999 “Wide AM” Penny
Think you’ve got one? Here’s a quick guide:
1️⃣ Flip the coin to the reverse (back).
2️⃣ Look at AMERICA → Gap = valuable, Touching = normal.
3️⃣ Check condition → Bright red luster and minimal marks = higher value.
📌 Where to Find Them
Collectors have found these rare pennies in surprising places:
- Loose pocket change from the late 1990s
- Old bank rolls that were never searched
- Coin jars sitting in long-time households
⚠ Pro Tip
Rare Wide AM varieties also exist for 1998 and 2000, but those typically sell for less than the 1999 version — making this one the key date to look for.
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