A Collector's Guide to Spotting 'Close AM' Lincoln Cent Errors

Have you ever wondered if the spare change in your pocket could be worth more than its face value? For coin collectors, certain rare errors can turn a simple penny into a significant find. One of the most famous of these is the “Close AM” error, a subtle glitch that can make a modern Lincoln cent highly valuable.

What Exactly Is a 'Close AM' Error?

The “Close AM” error refers to the spacing between the letters ‘A’ and ’M’ in the word “AMERICA” on the reverse side of a U.S. Lincoln cent. To understand the error, you first need to know the two main varieties:

Wide AM: The letters ‘A’ and ’M’ have a clear, distinct space between them. The bottoms of the letters do not touch. This was the standard design for business strike (regular circulation) pennies for many years.
Close AM: The letters ‘A’ and ’M’ are very close together, often with their bases nearly touching. This design was typically reserved for proof coins, which are specially struck for collectors and not intended for general circulation.

The error occurs when a die intended for one type of coin is accidentally used to strike another. For example, if a “Close AM” proof die is used to make regular circulation pennies, those pennies become a rare and valuable “transitional error.” The same is true in reverse, when a “Wide AM” die is used to strike proof coins.

The History of This Famous Minting Glitch

The story of the “Close AM” and “Wide AM” varieties is tied to changes at the U.S. Mint. From 1959 through 1992, all regular circulation Lincoln cents were minted with the “Wide AM” design. Proof coins during this period also used a “Wide AM” design, but the details were sharper.

In 1993, the Mint changed the design for the reverse of the Lincoln cent. The new master die featured a “Close AM” design. This became the new standard for all Lincoln cents, both business strike and proof, from 1993 onward.

However, during the transition period in the 1990s, some mix-ups occurred at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. Dies were used incorrectly, creating the valuable error coins that collectors search for today. These mistakes are what created the most sought-after varieties.

How to Identify the Key 'Close AM' and 'Wide AM' Error Years

Finding one of these errors requires a sharp eye and often a good magnifying glass. You need to check the reverse of Lincoln cents from specific years where these mix-ups are known to have happened. Here are the key dates to look for.

1992 and 1992-D “Close AM” Cent

This is one of the most valuable and sought-after varieties. In 1992, a few of the new “Close AM” reverse dies intended for 1993 were used to strike some circulation pennies in both Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark).

What to Look For: On a 1992 penny, check the spacing in “AMERICA.” The ‘A’ and ’M’ will be almost touching.
Another Clue: Also, look at the designer’s initials, “FG” (for Frank Gasparro), located to the right of the Lincoln Memorial. On the rare 1992 “Close AM” variety, the initials are further from the base of the memorial and have a different style than on the common “Wide AM” version.
Value: This is a significant find. Even in circulated condition, a 1992 “Close AM” cent can be worth several hundred dollars. Uncirculated examples have sold for over $20,000. The 1992-D is also very valuable.

1998, 1999, and 2000 “Wide AM” Cent

In these years, the opposite error occurred. The standard for circulation coins was the “Close AM” design. However, a “Wide AM” die, intended for striking proof coins, was mistakenly used to produce some regular pennies at the Philadelphia Mint.

What to Look For: On a penny from 1998, 1999, or 2000, look for a distinct space between the ‘A’ and ’M’ in “AMERICA.”
1998 “Wide AM”: This is a rare find. It’s believed that only a single proof die was used, resulting in a limited number of these error coins. They are quite valuable, often fetching hundreds of dollars.
1999 “Wide AM”: This is another very rare variety. Like the 1998 version, it was created when a proof die was used for circulation strikes. Finding one is a major score for a collector, with values often exceeding $500.
2000 “Wide AM”: This is the most common of the “Wide AM” error varieties, but it’s still a fantastic find. It is believed that multiple proof dies were used, creating more of these coins. A circulated 2000 “Wide AM” can be worth $20 to $50, with uncirculated versions valued much higher.

Tools and Tips for Searching

You don’t need an expensive laboratory to hunt for these coins, but a few simple tools can make a huge difference.

Magnification: A 5x or 10x magnifying glass (also called a jeweler’s loupe) is essential. The spacing difference can be very subtle, and magnification makes it much easier to see.
Good Lighting: A bright desk lamp will help you see the fine details on the coin’s surface.
Know Your Dates: Focus your search on the key years: 1992, 1998, 1999, and 2000. While other minor varieties exist, these are the big ones.
Check Your Change: Go through your pocket change, coin jars, and any rolls of pennies you get from the bank. It’s a numbers game, and the more coins you check, the better your chances.

If you believe you’ve found one of these error coins, the next step for verification is to compare it against known examples online. For high-value coins like the 1992 “Close AM,” getting it authenticated and graded by a professional service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) is recommended to confirm its authenticity and establish its market value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a proof coin and a business strike coin? A business strike coin is made for general circulation. A proof coin is specially struck using polished dies and planchets (blank coins), resulting in a much sharper, mirror-like finish. They are made for collectors and are not intended to be spent.

Are there “Close AM” errors on other coins besides the Lincoln cent? The “Close AM” and “Wide AM” terminology is most famously associated with the Lincoln cent from the 1990s. While other coins have die varieties and errors, this specific “AM” spacing error is a hallmark of the modern penny.

Where can I sell a “Close AM” error coin if I find one? If you find a confirmed error coin, you can sell it through reputable coin dealers, at coin shows, or on online marketplaces that specialize in collectibles, like eBay. For very valuable coins, using an auction house that specializes in numismatics is often the best choice.