🚨 A Penny Worth $1.5 Million — Fact or Fiction?
Believe it or not, a single 1998 Lincoln penny has stunned collectors after selling for $1.5 million at auction. Even more shocking?
There’s a chance this rare coin could still be hiding in everyday pocket change.
Let’s break everything down step by step so you know exactly what to look for 👇
🪙 What Is the 1998 “Wide AM” Penny?
The coin making headlines is known as the 1998 “Wide AM” Lincoln Cent, one of the rarest modern U.S. pennies ever discovered.
🔍 Why This Penny Is So Valuable
This is not an ordinary Lincoln cent. Its value comes from a major U.S. Mint error:
- 🏭 A proof reverse die was accidentally used for a regular circulation coin
- ⚠️ This mistake was never meant to leave the Mint
- 🌍 Only three confirmed examples are known worldwide
One of these coins, graded PCGS MS-67 Red, sold for $1,500,000 in 2023, cementing its legendary status.
🔎 How to Identify the $1.5M “Wide AM” Penny
Checking your coins is easy if you know the right details.
✅ Step 1: Check the Reverse (Back of the Coin)
Look closely at the word AMERICA:
- ✔️ The A and M should have a clear gap between them
- ❌ If they touch, it’s a normal penny
✅ Step 2: Look for the “FG” Initials
- The designer’s initials “FG” appear near the Lincoln Memorial
- On genuine Wide AM coins, the letters are sharper and closer to the memorial
✅ Step 3: Confirm the Mint
- Must be from Philadelphia
- ❌ No mint mark under the date
📋 Quick Identification Checklist
| Feature | What You Need to See |
|---|---|
| Date | 1998 |
| Mint | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Reverse | Wide gap between “A” and “M” |
| Color | Bright Red (RD) is most valuable |
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
⚠️ Beware of Common Look-Alikes
Not every Wide AM penny is worth a fortune.
🚫 Coins that are NOT rare:
- 1999–2008 Wide AM pennies (common)
- 1998 Close AM pennies (face value)
- Cleaned, scratched, or damaged coins
Condition and authenticity are everything.
💎 2024 Value Guide for the 1998 Wide AM Penny
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $50,000 – $250,000 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $300,000 – $750,000 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67+ RD) | $1,000,000 – $1,500,000 |
👉 Even minor scratches or cleaning can cut the value dramatically.
🧤 Found One? Do This Immediately
If you believe you’ve found a genuine Wide AM penny:
- Handle only by the edges (cotton gloves recommended)
- Take high-resolution photos (front, back, edge)
- Submit the coin to PCGS or NGC for authentication
- Insure the coin for $1M+ before shipping
⚠️ These coins are far rarer than the 1909-S VDB penny, and counterfeits are everywhere.
🏆 Why This Coin Is the Holy Grail of Modern Pennies
- ✔️ One of the most valuable modern U.S. coins ever sold
- ✔️ Only three known worldwide
- ✔️ Proof that everyday pocket change can still change lives
Sometimes, fortune really does come down to one cent.
🎥 Watch the Million-Dollar Penny
Want to see this legendary coin up close?
Check out the full video below for detailed visuals and real auction footage.
Leave a Reply