Don’t Ever Polish This $1,000+
Here’s something you should NEVER do to your coins ❌
Polishing or cleaning a coin can instantly destroy its value — and in some cases, wipe out over $1,000 in hidden worth.
In the video behind me, someone is polishing a 1992 penny. That single action may have turned a valuable collector coin into worthless pocket change.
Let me explain exactly why, and more importantly, what to look for BEFORE you ever clean a coin 👇
🪙 Why Cleaning Coins Is a Huge Mistake
Many people think shiny = valuable.
In coin collecting, the opposite is often true.
❌ Cleaning removes original surfaces
❌ Polishing erases mint details
❌ Collector value can drop to $0 instantly
Some rare coins look completely ordinary — until you know what detail to check.
🔍 Step 1: Find a 1992 Penny
Take out a 1992 Lincoln penny and flip it over to the back (reverse).
Every penny will say:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Now focus on one small detail that most people never notice 👀
🔎 Step 2: Check the “AM” in AMERICA
Look closely at the word AMERICA on the reverse.
There are TWO types of 1992 pennies:
❌ Regular 1992 Penny
- The A and M are clearly separated
- Common
- Worth face value
✅ 1992 “Close AM” Penny
- The A and M are touching or almost touching
- Extremely rare
- Collector gold 💎
📌 This variety is known as the 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent.
💵 How Much Is a 1992 Close AM Penny Worth?
This is where it gets serious.
💰 Estimated Values
- Circulated condition: $1,000+
- Nice condition: $3,000 – $10,000
- High-grade examples: Even more at auction
The value comes from:
✔ Wrong reverse design used
✔ Very limited number known
✔ Heavy demand from collectors
🚨 Why Polishing Ruins Everything
If you polish or clean a Close AM penny:
❌ The surface originality is destroyed
❌ Mint evidence is erased
❌ Grading companies will reject it
❌ Value can drop to almost nothing
⚠️ A polished rare penny is often worth less than a clean common one.
🧠 How to Protect Your Coins
Before doing anything to a coin:
✔ Check the date
✔ Check the reverse details
✔ Use magnification (10x loupe)
✔ Leave the coin exactly as you found it
If you think you found a Close AM:
🏛 Send it to PCGS or NGC
📸 Take clear photos
🧤 Handle only by the edges
🪙 Final Thought
That penny you were about to polish?
It could have been worth over $1,000 💰
Once cleaned, that value is gone forever.
So remember:
✨ Dirty does NOT mean worthless
✨ Shiny does NOT mean valuable
✨ Knowledge saves coins — and money
Check first.
Polish never.
Leave a Reply