🚨 Breaking news for coin collectors and casual change-checkers alike: A 2000-P “Wide AM” Lincoln cent just sold for an eye-popping $16,000 — and the best part? You could be carrying one in your pocket right now.
Most 2000 pennies aren’t worth more than face value. But this tiny reverse design error turns an ordinary-looking cent into serious cash.
🔍 What Is the “Wide AM” Penny Error?
In a rare minting mix-up, a proof reverse die was accidentally used on a small batch of 2000 Philadelphia pennies. The easiest way to tell?
➡️ Look at the word “AMERICA” on the back:
- Close AM (normal) – The A and M are nearly touching.
- Wide AM (valuable) – There’s a noticeable space between them.
✅ Only a few thousand “Wide AM” cents are believed to exist — and collectors are willing to pay big bucks to get one.
💸 Real Value in 2024
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $300 – $800 |
| AU-50 | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| MS-65+ (graded) | $5,000 – $16,000+ |
✅ Key Tip: Grading your coin can multiply its value by 10x or more!
🕵️♂️ 60-Second Penny Hunt: How to Check Yours
- Look for a 2000 penny (no mint mark = Philadelphia)
- Flip to the reverse side
- Zoom in on “AMERICA”
- ❌ If A and M touch: It’s common.
- ✅ If there’s a visible gap: Jackpot! You’ve got a Wide AM.
🏆 Real-Life Find
Who: College student in Ohio
Where: Found in a Coinstar reject tray
Sold for: $8,500 after PCGS grading
His quote? “I almost spent it on gum!”
⚠️ Watch for Fakes
Some altered coins have scratches to fake the spacing.
✔️ Real Wide AM coins will show the gap as part of the original strike — clean, curved, and consistent.
💼 Want to Sell?
- Raw under $1k: Try eBay (list under “error coins”)
- Graded over $1k: Use Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections
- 🕒 Best time to sell: July, when collector demand peaks!
🎁 BONUS: Free Penny Error Kit
📥 Download the 2000 Penny Error Checklist
🔍 Grab a 10x loupe for $5 on Amazon
📞 Text PENNY2000 to 555-2000 for expert advice
💡 Don’t ignore your spare change—your next trip to the store could be worth thousands.
🎬 Watch the full video here to see side-by-side comparisons and how to verify your coin:
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