Did you know some ordinary-looking pennies are worth $20 to $1,000+? The secret is in the spacing of the A and M in “AMERICA.” Here’s your full guide to spotting Wide AM and Close AM rarities. Save this list for reference!
🔎 Step 1: Look for 1992 & 1992-D (Close AM)
- Flip the coin to the reverse (back).
- On rare Close AM varieties, the A and M in AMERICA are touching (normal ones have a space).
- Check the “FG” initials too — the rare version has the G with a straight vertical line, not a curve.
💵 Value Guide:
- Circulated examples: $300+
- Higher grades: $1,500+
- 1992-D Close AM: Even scarcer & more valuable.
📌 Example: A circulated find sold for $300 with 65 bids.
🔎 Step 2: Look for 1998, 1999 & 2000 (Wide AM)
- On these three years, the valuable version is Wide AM (normal ones are Close AM).
- On Wide AMs, the A and M have a clear gap.
- The “FG” has a curved G, not a straight one.
💵 Value Guide:
- 1998 Wide AM → $20–$55 ungraded, up to $75+ in Mint State.
- 1999 Wide AM → Most valuable of the three. $300–$550 in circulated, $700+ in high grade.
- 2000 Wide AM → $20–$25 in circulated, $75+ in high grade.
📌 Example Sales:
- 1999 Wide AM in pocket change condition: $110–$365
- 1999 MS-65RD: $763
⚡ Quick Recap
- 1992 & 1992-D → Valuable if Close AM.
- 1998, 1999, 2000 → Valuable if Wide AM.
- Values range from $20 in circulated to $1,500+ in high grades.
🧤 Collector’s Tips
- Handle coins carefully (fingerprints lower value).
- Check under 10x magnification for AM spacing and FG details.
- Submit to PCGS or NGC if you suspect a rare variety.
- Auction houses (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers) bring the best prices for top finds.
✨ You could literally pull a $1,000 coin from pocket change if you know what to look for!
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