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It’s easy to overlook a penny. After all, most of us think it’s just worth one cent. But what if one small detail—a tiny gap between two letters—could make a penny worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars? That’s exactly what happened with the 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny. To the untrained eye, it looks just like every other coin in your pocket. But for collectors, it’s a treasure hiding in plain sight. Let’s explore why this common-looking penny is secretly rare and how you can spot one that could be worth big money.

Coin Name: 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Memorial Penny

In 1998, the U.S. Mint made a small error that went unnoticed by most people. It involved the space between the letters “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” on the back (reverse) of the penny. Normally, for circulation coins made in 1998, the A and M should touch or be very close—this is known as the “Close AM” variety. But by mistake, the Mint used a reverse die (stamp) meant for proof coins, where the “A” and “M” have a visible space between them. This is called the “Wide AM” variety. These proof-style dies were not supposed to be used for regular pennies, but a few slipped through and were used to make regular coins.

The result? A rare error coin that looks normal at first glance but is very valuable once you spot the gap. This Wide AM reverse was also mistakenly used on some pennies in 1999 and 2000, but the 1998 version is the first known case, and therefore often the most sought-after by collectors.

Why the 1998 Wide AM Penny Is Valuable

This penny’s value comes from a mix of rarity, mistake, and collector interest. Here’s why it’s worth far more than one cent:

• Mint Error: It used a reverse die meant for proof coins.
• Hard to Find: Only a small number were made before the mistake was corrected.
• Popular Series: The Lincoln cent is one of the most collected coins in U.S. history.
• Affordable Treasure: Unlike old coins, this one could still be found in pocket change or old jars.

Depending on its condition, a 1998 Wide AM penny can sell for $250 to over $1,000. A higher-grade, uncirculated coin with this variety has even sold for over $2,500.

How to Spot the 1998 Wide AM Penny

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to check your 1998 pennies:

1. Flip the Coin: Look at the reverse side (the back) where it says “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
2. Look at “AMERICA”: Focus on the letters “A” and “M.”
3. Check the Gap: If there’s a clear space between the “A” and “M,” you might have the Wide AM variety.
4. Compare: Look at a normal 1998 penny for reference. The letters should almost touch.
5. Get It Graded: If it looks like a Wide AM, send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication and value confirmation.

Be careful not to mistake it for damage or wear. The true Wide AM variety has very specific spacing that matches the proof coin style.

Table: Quick Facts – 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny

Feature	Details
Year	1998
Coin Name	1998 Wide AM Lincoln Memorial Penny
Mint Location	Philadelphia (no mint mark)
Error Type	Proof reverse used on circulation coin
Letters A & M Spacing	Wide gap between them
Average Value	$250 – $1,000+
High-Grade Value	$2,500+
How to Spot	Check reverse side of the word “AMERICA”

The 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny is proof that small mistakes can lead to big rewards. A tiny space between two letters turned this ordinary coin into a highly valuable collector’s item. Whether you’re a serious collector or just curious about coins, checking your old change might lead to a lucky find. These coins are rare—but they’re out there, waiting to be discovered in coin rolls, piggy banks, and forgotten drawers. So grab a magnifying glass and look closely. That one-cent coin in your hand might actually be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars!

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