A tiny design mistake could turn your pocket change into a $25,000 payday. The 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent is one of the rarest transitional errors in modern U.S. coinage — and it’s still hiding in circulation today.
We’ve authenticated dozens of high-value Lincoln cent varieties, and the 1992 Close AM ranks among the most coveted. Here’s why collectors are paying top dollar — and how you can spot one.
🔍 What Is the 1992 Close AM Error?
➡️ Reverse Design Anomaly:
- The letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are touching or nearly touching.
- Normal 1992 cents have a clear wide space between the letters.
- This proof-only reverse design was mistakenly used on regular business strikes.
➡️ Obverse Side:
- Standard 1992 Lincoln portrait.
- Found in both Philadelphia (no mintmark) and Denver (“D”) issues.
- The 1992-D Close AM is far rarer — and far more valuable.
🧬 Error Type Breakdown
✅ Transitional design mix-up
✅ Proof reverse die on circulation coins
✅ Official variety listed in the Cherrypickers’ Guide (FS-901)
✅ Considered one of the rarest Memorial cent reverses ever discovered
💰 2024 Values & Auction Records
| Grade | PCGS Market Value | 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 yet publicly sold |
💎 Historic Highlight: A 1992-D Close AM in MS-67 RD sold for $25,850 at Heritage Auctions — one of the highest modern cent sales ever.
🔐 5-Step Expert Authentication
1️⃣ Macro Zoom of “AM” → Look for letters nearly touching.
2️⃣ Mintmark Check → Confirm 1992 or 1992-D date, no alterations.
3️⃣ Reverse Diagnostics → Verify FG initials (Frank Gasparro) placement.
4️⃣ Color & Grade → Red (RD) coins bring the strongest values.
5️⃣ Third-Party Certification → Must be graded by PCGS or NGC with FS-901 label.
🎯 Why It’s Worth $25,000+
✔️ Fewer than 20 confirmed 1992-D Close AMs exist
✔️ Proof reverse die mistakenly paired with circulation strikes
✔️ Extremely hard to identify without magnification
✔️ Registry set collectors fight for them at auction
💼 Selling One (If You Strike Gold)
Best Auction Houses:
- Heritage Auctions (U.S. Signature Sales)
- GreatCollections
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Private Sales:
- Direct deals with high-end Lincoln cent collectors
- Featured in Transitional Error Registry Sets
High-End Submissions (for $10K+ coins):
- Ultra-HD coin photography
- Certified weight & diameter
- Video proof of “AM” spacing
- Market analysis + placement strategy
📅 Certified Value Valid Through: Sept 30, 2025
⏳ Next evaluation window closes in 4 days.
💬 “Even expert collectors miss this — it’s one of the best-kept secrets in modern numismatics.”
— PennyVerse Transitional Error Division
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