Power Guy
Senior Member
That Penny you just found May be worth some $$$
Check out http://www.lincolncentresource.com/wideams.html
1. 1992 Close AM - extremely rare
2. 1992 D Close AM
3. 1998 S Close AM
4. 1999 S Close AM
5. 1999 Wide AM
6. 1998 Wide AM
7. 2000 Wide AM - least rare
Their are two good ways to distinguish the Wide AM reverse from the Close AM reverse:
1) Obviously, if there is a large space between the A and M in AMERICA you are looking at a "Wide
AM". If it appears the A and M are practically touching, you are looking at a "Close AM". Be aware
that there is still a space on "Close AM'' cents. It is just a smaller space.
2) The Initials FG on the reverse are further from the memorial on the "Close AM" reverse. The initials are a better diagnostic than the AM!
Remember that it is opposite: A "Close AM" has wide initials, and a "Wide AM" has close initials.
Don't just look at the space between the A and M. As dies deteriorate, they spread. The die may spread far enough to create what appears to be a small space between the A and M. Always look at both the AM and the initials.
Check out http://www.lincolncentresource.com/wideams.html
1. 1992 Close AM - extremely rare
2. 1992 D Close AM
3. 1998 S Close AM
4. 1999 S Close AM
5. 1999 Wide AM
6. 1998 Wide AM
7. 2000 Wide AM - least rare
Their are two good ways to distinguish the Wide AM reverse from the Close AM reverse:
1) Obviously, if there is a large space between the A and M in AMERICA you are looking at a "Wide
AM". If it appears the A and M are practically touching, you are looking at a "Close AM". Be aware
that there is still a space on "Close AM'' cents. It is just a smaller space.
2) The Initials FG on the reverse are further from the memorial on the "Close AM" reverse. The initials are a better diagnostic than the AM!
Remember that it is opposite: A "Close AM" has wide initials, and a "Wide AM" has close initials.
Don't just look at the space between the A and M. As dies deteriorate, they spread. The die may spread far enough to create what appears to be a small space between the A and M. Always look at both the AM and the initials.
