Monday, August 25, 2008

1998 Wide AM

Do you have a variety cent and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

While going through my pocket change I scan all the coins for any defect, error, or variety. I commonly I find machine doubling or minor die cracks but I have found this one variety several times.

The 1998 Wide AM is a United States cent that has a reverse normally used on proof coins. It is barely noticeable. Starting in 1993 they moved the A and M in AMERICA closer together (almost touching) for circulating coins. Only proof coins have the A and M a little spaced.

It is easier to notice on the little FG initials on the right of the Lincoln Memorial. For circulating coins it is farther apart while on proofs it is almost touching.

Confused enough here are the pictures to help.

Both types next to each other.


This is the Type II or Wide AM.


This is the Type I or Close AM.

On the second image you can see the slight gap between the A and M while the F is almost touching the memorial building.

On the third image you can see no gap between the A and M while the F is far from the memorial building.

This also exist in 1992, 1999 and 2000. Reports of 1993 and other years and mintmarks are rare but seem to be real. Depending on what type it will have different values for all grades.

This is the third 1998 Wide AM I found, I thought I found a 1999 but I misplaced the coin.

Since the discovery in 2002 the values has fluctuated because it was thought to be rare but so many were found that it lost value .

In MS-65(Mint State-65) :
  • The 1998 Wide AM in 2003 = $35.00
  • The 1998 Wide AM in 2004-2005 = $30.00
  • The 1998 Wide AM in 2006-2012 = $10.00
The lesson is sometimes selling early is a good thing.

Here's the stats...
Type/Country: 1 Cent / United States
Year: 1998 Wide AM
Mintage: 5,032,155,000 (unknown how many of each type exists)
Metal: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper
Value: $0.20 in VF-20 

Type/Country: 1 Cent / United States
Year: 1998 Close AM or Normal Strike
Mintage: 5,032,155,000 (unknown how many of each type exists)
Metal: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper
Value: $0.01 in EF-40

Do you have a cent error and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

106 dollars worth, for Comments/Questions click here.:

James (UK) said...

Nice one! That's the sort of thing I tend to notice instantly, but no one else does.

Man said...

It took me a while to notice those small differences it's why I keep the coin books close.

Anonymous said...

I have a 1988 cent with the reverse design of 1989, commonly referred to as RDV-006. Attributed by CONECA authenticated, graded and slabbed MS64RD by ICG. The most distinguishing characteristic is the designer's intials, FG. What value would you place on this transitional variety?

Man said...

1988 cent with the reverse design of 1989, commonly referred to as RDV-006. Attributed by CONECA authenticated, graded and slabbed MS64RD by ICG. The most distinguishing characteristic is the designer's intials, FG.

Un-slabbed I've seen it sell for $15 but because of recent finds and ebay auctions they average about $1,500.00 in that grade.

Anonymous said...

I was wondering about 3 coins I have. I have a 1,000 dollar peso, and also a 500 dollar peso. Both are a goldish color. And I was wondering what they would be worth?, and a way I could exchange them for USD. Also I have a silver dollar, I'm not sure how old. But it is by far the heaviest coin i've ever felt. I was told straight silver.. is that correct? and where I could get rid of that one also?

please e-mail me at:
hhsbball13@yahoo.com
my name is kyle james.
thank you for taking your time and reading this.

Anonymous said...

I was wondering about 3 coins I have. I have a 1,000 dollar peso, and also a 500 dollar peso. Both are a goldish color. And I was wondering what they would be worth?, and a way I could exchange them for USD. Also I have a silver dollar, I'm not sure how old. But it is by far the heaviest coin i've ever felt. I was told straight silver.. is that correct? and where I could get rid of that one also?

please e-mail me at:
**********@yahoo.com
my name is kyle james.
thank you for taking your time and reading this.

Man said...

1,000 dollar peso, and also a 500 dollar peso. Both are a goldish color. And I was wondering what they would be worth?, and a way I could exchange them for USD. Also I have a silver dollar, I'm not sure how old. But it is by far the heaviest coin i've ever felt. I was told straight silver.. is that correct? and where I could get rid of that one also?

I would like to help but I would need either country of each coin or a description of the design and letters or words.

Anonymous said...

I have a 2005 penny and it is broken off from under the middle of the body to a little over the date and I only have one part of it and I wanted to know if it is worth any thing.

Man said...

2005 penny and it is broken off from under the middle of the body to a little over the date

Broken off means to me a jagged edge which means damage and no extra value.

If the broken off is straight or circular in mint state is about $15.00.

Anonymous said...

i have over a dozen lincoln pennies with both sides smashed down,are these clashes or what,brockages??the dates range from 1985 up to 2002,are these mint errors or home made junk?i have gotton them from mint boxes at bank!

Man said...

with both sides smashed down,are these clashes or what,brockages??the dates range from 1985 up to 2002

It may be a Brockage error or a fake. The general thought is if one side has a mirror image then it's real. Both sides mean some one pressed it together at home. Few double sided brockage are confirmed but this must be done by an expert.

Were they real it is about $40 each but to grade them may cost 20 each. If you have a trusted or certified dealer near you to just look at them it would be best.

Anonymous said...

i recently found a 1955d penny with doubling on the reverse wheat ears (both),plus some on the e pluribus unum,any info on this,doesn't look like hub doubling,or ejection dbling??

Man said...

1955d penny with doubling on the reverse wheat ears (both),plus some on the e pluribus unum,any info on this,doesn't look like hub doubling,or ejection dbling

There are known Obverse Doubling and several 1955 D/D but I've never heard or seen any genuine reverse doubling.

I wouldn't recommend grading since the cost will exceed any value.

It is possible but none are known you may want to photograph it well and be the first to claim this new error.

Anonymous said...

how do i send a coin picture?

Man said...

how do i send a coin picture?

Just find a free photo site like photobucket or imageshack and drop a link.

Anonymous said...

about sending a pic of coin,i know how to do that,what i meant was,sending it to you to check its authenticity!

Man said...

i know how to do that,what i meant was,sending it to you to check its authenticity!

That is the only way and I could only guess if it's genuine because only in hand can anyone tell.

Anonymous said...

who is the expert ?i found a 2000 wide am cent recently,i have searched for value on it?one place says 5.00,,,another says 45.00 in ms63? is there anyone who is really right and knowledgeble about this??

Man said...

2000 wide am cent recently,i have searched for value on it?one place says 5.00,,,another says 45.00 in ms63?

The $5.00 is most accurate. They were more a few years ago but now they are common although bright red and MS-67 or higher goes for $50.00.

MS-63 at $45 is overpriced.

Anonymous said...

i have a genuine $1.00 note confederate 1862 baton rouge,state of louisiana,it was printed on back of two different notes fixed together,one is from texas bank $5.00 note,the other half is a $3.00 note,is this a valuable bill? serial #10032..?

Man said...

$1.00 note confederate 1862 baton rouge,state of louisiana,it was printed on back of two different notes fixed together

These are common and known as recycled notes as far as I know all recycled backs notes were used evenly but you'd need a Confederate expert to be certain.

Still it's about $35.00 in very-fine.

Anonymous said...

Good information. :)
I just found a 2000 Wide AM in my change. :]

Man said...

I just found a 2000 Wide AM in my change.

Congrats, these are still becoming more common and in mint-state 60 they are about $2.50.

Anonymous said...

i recently found a 1992 D lincoln cent with a triple mint mark,doesn't look like like a mechanical tripling defect,there are 3 distinct d's real close together,its ms62,i thought hand application of mint marks ended in the 90's?

Man said...

1992 D lincoln cent with a triple mint mark,doesn't look like like a mechanical tripling defect,there are 3 distinct d's real close together,its ms62

Mostly hand application has ended but the wording used by the government suggests maybe they still hand carve depending on mint and situation.

I know of no mintmark varieties for 1992 cents.
It is possible and it wold be about $25.00 if real but of course it needs to be graded.

You may want to put pictures online like that some forums or experts can see it and advise if it is worth grading.

Anonymous said...

how many varieties are there of the 1969s dbl die lincoln cent?

Man said...

how many varieties are there of the 1969s dbl die lincoln cent?

As far as I've seen 3.
2 from San Fransisco
1 from Philadelphia

The only one that's valuable is the famous 1969-S the others are just a few dollars.

Anonymous said...

just found a 1992 close "am",can't afford to get it encapsulated,it's about ms-64,has a partial 2 filled in date,how can i sell it without getting ripped off?

Man said...

1992 close "am",can't afford to get it encapsulated,it's about ms-64,has a partial 2 filled in date,how can i sell it without getting ripped off?

A 1992 Close AM is worth at least $1,000.00 much more if the condition you say is true.

I would say wait until you can afford to get it graded. If not then your only choice is eBay or a coin forum.

PCGS the grading company also has a forum that you can register for free. Maybe try selling it there but you must have clear pictures. This is very rare coin and no one wants to get ripped off which is why grading is still best.

Get good pictures of both sides.

Anonymous said...

just rec'd my two roll set 2009 lincoln's,went thru them for errors,found 80% with forehead cracks,anybody else find errors??

Man said...

two roll set 2009 lincoln's,went thru them for errors,found 80% with forehead cracks,anybody else find errors??


I have not sen this but cracks like these are common and if you really want a perfect set you may think of returning them for a better set. These cracks add no value.

Anonymous said...

any info/value on 1988 d rdv extra serifs on frank gasparro's initials memorial cent?

Man said...

1988 d rdv extra serifs on frank gasparro's initials

This sounds like a transitional cent using the the reverse intended for a 1989 cent.
LINK
I've seen it with the normal 1989 serif and what looks like "extra" it sold for $150.00 2 years ago in high grade.

I think the value has dropped due to many recent finds. But of this particular variety I have not seen a new auction in years.

Anonymous said...

hello i have a 1918 s wheat cent and on the reverse it has a d inside the right wheat stem

Man said...

1918 s wheat cent and on the reverse it has a d inside the right wheat stem

Sounds like damage, no extra value.

If you still think it is some type of error try and taking a good picture or scan and posting on a free photo site for others to evaluate.

Anonymous said...

are there any methods of identifying a partial filled date or number on a coin,[non destructive]

Man said...

are there any methods of identifying a partial filled date or number on a coin,[non destructive]


Yes, just look at it.
Filled dates are common and can be identified visually.
They usually hold no extra value.

coppr22@aol.com said...

a wile ago[1 mo.]i found a 1992p close am,two days ago i found a 1999p wide am,these are very valuable coins''?who knows the value of them?

Man said...

1992p close am only two have been confirmed but it would be several thousands.

1999p wide am about $500.00 in high mint state.

Anonymous said...

I Have Been out of the loop for a number of years,but have been collecting errors since the 70s. Recently found a Lincoln with a "square box"under the ear..it is not a depression,but a three dimensional object. Any ideas about this?

Anonymous said...

Hello, I would like to know who is buying error coins...I have hundreds and hundreds of them I have been collecting for the past 30 years or so.Any Ideas?

Man said...

Recently found a Lincoln with a "square box"under the ear.

Sounds like outside damage, I never heard or seen anything like you describe.

I would like to know who is buying error coins...I have hundreds and hundreds of them I have been collecting for the past 30 years or so.Any Ideas?

Fred Weinberg Google that name he deals with lots of errors but his site may give a warning but it is safe.

Anonymous said...

i was checking canadian cents,the 2007 is magnetic,but i have a 2006 thats not,?/any knowledge on this

Man said...

2006-P is magnetic
2006-RCM Logo has both magnetic and non-magnetic
2006 (no mark) is non-magnetic
2006 (no mark) that is magnetic is very rare

Yours is normal.

Anonymous said...

I Have a 1998 penney that would be normal except it looks like it got repressed on the one side. It has the back repressed onto the front right over Lincoln's head. Just curious if its worth anything. If anyone has info please email me at Mattdirocz@yahoo.com

Man said...

1998 penney that would be normal except it looks like it got repressed on the one side. It has the back repressed onto the front right over Lincoln's head.

Sounds like a Double Struck error it averages $50.00 but it depends a lot on grade and eye appeal.

Anonymous said...

any new info on the 2009 extra digit/thumb reverse? i have two in ms-64 condition""

Man said...

any new info on the 2009 extra digit/thumb reverse? i have two in ms-64 condition

There are about 50 varieties of this Doubling in MS-64 they average $12.00.

Try looking here...
http://www.coppercoins.com/diesearch.php?date=2009

Anonymous said...

would there be added value for a 1998 penny with the a&m overlapping?

Man said...

1998 penny with the a&m overlapping?

Sounds like a machine doubling error or late strike error it has no extra value.

Anonymous said...

hello, I found a 1961 D penny that looks like the die was cracked the whole way across starting just above liberty and continuing across the coin, through Lincoln's face and nose to the other side of the rim. Is it worth holding onto?

Man said...

1961 D penny that looks like the die was cracked the whole way across starting just above liberty and continuing across the coin, through Lincoln's face and nose to the other side of the rim.

Die cracks from rim to rim are worth about $5.00 in high grades. They are common on cents but still there is a small market for them.

Anonymous said...

My son received a 1998 double face stamped penny of Lincolns (extremely noticeable) head along with the the back side of a dime all stamped on the front of this Penny. This penny also has a ridge above Lincolns head. I looked and could find nothing. Please let me know what you think.

Man said...

1998 double face stamped penny of Lincolns (extremely noticeable) head along with the the back side of a dime all stamped on the front of this Penny. This penny also has a ridge above Lincolns head. I looked and could find nothing.

I'm sorry but I do not understand what you are describing.

The only way to understand is with clear images which you can post for free somewhere and drop a link here.

If not I can only guess this is some type of fraud with no value.

Anonymous said...

did the 1995 and 1996 have the wide am or close am

Man said...

1995 and 1996 have the wide am or close am


Close AM is normal.
Wide AM is the error it is originally meant for proof cents.

95 or 96 Wide are possible but it would be very rare.

brian said...

i have a 1941 and a 1943 penny can you tell me how much it is worth?

Man said...

U.S. penny
1941 about $0.15
1943 about $0.30

brian said...

its from Canada

Man said...

Canada cent
1941 about $0.10
1943 about $0.10

brian said...

thank you

Anonymous said...

hello, i found a 1992-D penny on december 4, 2010 and ibelieve it is a Cloase AM. how much do you think it is worth?

Man said...

1992-D penny on december 4, 2010 and ibelieve it is a Cloase AM

In mint condition about $15,000 cut in half if circulated.

Anonymous said...

WELL BOYS,JUST YESTERDAY I FOUND TWO 1992 D CLOSE AM FAR FG, IN ONE ROLL OF CENTS FROM BANK,THEY ARE SELLING FOR $3,500.00 A PIECE,I WILL SELL THEM TO BEST BIDDER""LUCKY IN OHIO''''

Man said...

No thanks, can't find it anyway. But good luck these are very rare.

Anonymous said...

I found a 1992D that has been in circulation and the AM is normal (far) but the FG is also far. Is this rare or normal? Thanks

Man said...

1992D that has been in circulation and the AM is normal (far) but the FG is also far.

Well the positioning does vary a bit.

The better way to tell is the G in the FG should have a serif.

Check out this 1992 link.

Now if it does have a "far FG" it would be an unknown variety it would have to graded and confirmed. Maybe worth a lot but I don't think it's possible.

Anonymous said...

I have 3 2011 pennys. withthe a&m wide are they anything to get excited about? thanks..

Man said...

2011 pennys. withthe a&m wide are they anything to get excited about?

Not that I know of.
Still I would put them aside if the grading companies agree that this is a variety then value will depend on how many are graded.

So far none of the companies say 2011 has a wide or close AM.

Anonymous said...

uromming pasentr I have a 1949 s cent with part of a s showing west of the main s i cant find any thing on this what can youn tell me thank you

Man said...

1949 s cent with part of a s showing west of the main s

There are 14 Doubled mint mark varieties.

Most are about $2.00 in fine.

Look around here...
http://www.coppercoins.com/lincoln/dietype.php?date=1949&die_mint=s&die_type=mm&page=0

clairanne.smith@gmail.com said...

I have a 1943S steel penny. with the naked eye, the 4 is missing. under magnification I can see where the 4 left a faint shadow. It seems like thr 4 didn't 'take' or was knocked off. The coin is well circulated. Any ideas?

Man said...

1943S steel penny. with the naked eye, the 4 is missing. under magnification I can see where the 4 left a faint shadow. It seems like thr 4 didn't 'take' or was knocked off. The coin is well circulated.

Struck Through Grease error, no extra value.
About $0.30

Anonymous said...

I have a 1992D penny with close AM and FG farther away from the monument than on my other 92Ds. The local coin shop owner said it was "probably worth a couple thousand" It is shiney and new looking but not pristine. Any thoughts? Thank you

Man said...

1992D penny with close AM. It looks shiney and new, but not pristine.

About $5,000.00 in mint state 64.

It should verified by a grading company.

Anonymous said...

have a states 25 cent piece on reverse only word is unum and date186 on obverse no li in liberty no uni in united is this a error or damaged coin thank you

Man said...

states 25 cent piece on reverse only word is unum and date186 on obverse no li in liberty no uni in united is this a error or damaged coin

Sounds damaged but even if a Struck Through Grease error it has no extra.

Anonymous said...

many web sites say 1979 susan b anthony dollars coins are worth face value, but the pcgs web site says they can be quite valuable???

Man said...

many web sites say 1979 susan b anthony dollars coins are worth face value, but the pcgs web site says they can be quite valuable???

Only in a high mint or proof state.

Also only the 1979-P Wide Rim at $60.00 for the MS-63.

Or the 1979-S Proof Clear S at $80.00 in Proof 65.

If the are less than mint and not one of these varieties they are just face value.

Anonymous said...

I have a 1941 wheat penny that's missing the un in "unum" on the back and wondering if thats common and if it has any value.

Man said...

1941 wheat penny that's missing the un in "unum"

Probably worn or a Struck Through Grease error.

Either way no extra value, about $0.15.

Anonymous said...

do 1995 d cents in mint condition have value?

Man said...

1995 d cents in mint condition about $0.05

Anonymous said...

coackheI found a 1975 s dime that looks brand spanking new, but I can't find any information about that year/mint mark on the pcgs price guide.

Man said...

1975 s dime that looks brand spanking new, but I can't find any information about that year/mint mark on the pcgs price guide.

These are Proof dimes so they look extra shiny.

It is listed in all coin books and you should look again in that price guide.

Year: 1975-S Proof
Mintage: 2,845,450

Man said...

found a 1975 s dime

Oh it's about $0.20

dp said...

My friend found six 1992 close AM not sure if they were P or D! Maybe both one was MS-63, MS-64, AU-58 not sure about the others. He sold one on eBay for $3500 in 2007. He sold AU-58 for $2000 I think There was 2-3 page article about him in magazine his name is (Josh) Joshua Haynes. He probably sold it too cheap!!! He said he had to look through a million or more pennies to find them. Look him up!

Man said...

My friend found six 1992 close AM not sure if they were P or D!...

That's nice.

Anonymous said...

I picked up a 1864 L Indian head Penny in impecable condition in change from the supermarket. Everything is very crisp and clear. Any idea what it's value is?
Thanks mklbn@hotmail.com

Man said...

1864 L Indian head Penny in impecable condition in change from the supermarket. Everything is very crisp and clear

About $90.00 unless cleaned then $1.00.

Sometimes cleaned coins are placed back into circulation since they lose most of there value.

Unknown said...

I have a 1975 penny that has a mint chip. Can you tell me what it is worth? Penny is in excellent condition.

Man said...

1975 penny that has a mint chip

Not sure what you mean but if this is a Die Break or Cud Cent then generally about $4.00 if 10% or less "chipped".

Anonymous said...

I found 1984 p cent without lincoln or his chair between the columns. doesn't appearto have been altered. have you seen this before and is it worth keeping, Thank You.

Man said...

1984 p cent without lincoln or his chair between the columns. doesn't appearto have been altered. have you seen this before

Sounds like a Struck Through Grease error, no extra value.

Anonymous said...

I have a 2007 p washington dollar it has no gold clad on eather side very shinyall lettering is bold. dont know a thing about these coins tis it a keeper

Man said...

2007 p washington dollar it has no gold clad on eather side very shinyall lettering is bold

Possibly a Missing Clad error worth about $2,000.00

That said it needs to be weighed and verified by a grading company, acid is what some bad people use to fake this error.

Anonymous said...

I have that Washington dollar who would you recommend i send it to? As shinny as it is dont see how someone could have put it in acid thank you very much for your info.

Man said...

Washington dollar who would you recommend i send it to? As shinny as it is dont see how someone could have put it in acid thank you very much for your info.

After acid dipping they usually buff them to make them look new.

That said try and get good pictures and get an exact weight with a 0.01 gram scale. Then contact the guys at http://www.fredweinberg.com/
they are experts in errors.

After that try to show several coin dealers or clubs in hand before spending money to have it graded at PCGS.com

Anonymous said...

this 2007 GW dollar weights 8 grams as do other small dollars i weighted not sure if thats good or bad??

Man said...

2007 GW dollar weights 8 grams as do other small dollars i weighted not sure if thats good or bad??

Better to use a 0.01 gram scale but 8.10 grams is normal. So this is within normal range.

That is not good, it should be 7.90 or less, still it can be a real error.

Look over these errors and compare color...
http://www.fredweinberg.com/inventory/categorylist.php?ID=7

Anonymous said...

i have a 1998 penny where the am in america has no space and the fg appears to be farther away but its hard to tell. there is no s or d on it. i was wondering if you could tell me an estimated value,if its worth anything. And what kind of place could i take it to to see if its worth anything?

Man said...

1998 penny where the am in america has no space and the fg appears to be farther away but its hard to tell. there is no s or d on it.

This is a common Close AM and has no extra value.

Unknown said...

I have a 1968 penny and the D that stamped under it is very close to the date its touching the six does this penny have any value?

Man said...

1968 penny and the D that stamped under it is very close to the date its touching the six

No extra value, the position can vary and that is normal.

Anonymous said...

I hav a 1992 d wide am cent. What can it bring for me??

Man said...

1992 d wide am cent. What can it bring for me?

About $0.01 if circulated only the Close AM is worth more for 1992.