Before you spend that handful of change, take a closer look at your 1998, 1999, and 2000 Lincoln Memorial pennies. 🔍 Some of these common coins contain a rare Wide AM error — and they could be worth hundreds of dollars.
🔍 What to Look For
Flip the penny over and check the word AMERICA on the reverse side:
- On normal pennies, the letters A and M are touching.
- On error pennies, the A and M are clearly separated — this is the Wide AM variety.
👉 If you see that extra spacing, you might be holding a collectible worth far more than one cent.
📊 Value Guide by Year
| Year | Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Circulated | Around $25 |
| 2000 | Circulated | Around $20 |
| 1999 | High Grade | Up to $500 |
⚡ Pro Tip: The 1999 Wide AM is the rarest and most valuable of the group.
💡 Why These Pennies Are Valuable
These errors happened when the U.S. Mint accidentally used a proof coin reverse die on regular business strike pennies. Collectors love these mistakes, which is why they can sell quickly — especially in higher grades.
✅ How to Check Your Change
1️⃣ Grab a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe.
2️⃣ Inspect the AM in AMERICA carefully.
3️⃣ Compare: If the A and M are wide apart, you’ve found the valuable variety.
4️⃣ Store safely — use a protective coin holder.
5️⃣ Consider professional grading (PCGS or NGC) if your penny looks uncirculated.
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