🚨 Breaking News: A single 1998 Lincoln Cent with a rare mint error has sold for an unbelievable $1.5 MILLION at auction! Yes, a penny worth over a million dollars. Could you have one hiding in your pocket change? Let’s find out.
🔥 Why This Penny Is Worth Millions
⚡ The 1998 “Wide AM” Error
- Only 3 known examples exist (far fewer than collectors once believed).
- Record sale: $1,500,000 (PCGS MS-67RD, 2023).
- What happened? The U.S. Mint mistakenly used a proof die on business strikes, creating a once-in-a-lifetime rarity.
🔎 How To Identify the $1.5M 1998 “Wide AM” Penny
✅ Key Features to Look For
- Gap between the “A” and “M” in AMERICA (they should not touch).
- The designer’s “FG” initials sit closer to the Memorial building and have sharper serifs.
- Must be from the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark).
✅ Collector Checklist
- Date: Must be 1998 (Philadelphia issue).
- Reverse: Wide spacing between A and M.
- Color: Red (RD) specimens are the most valuable.
- Weight: Exactly 2.5 grams (standard copper-plated zinc cent).
⚠️ Don’t Get Fooled by Look-Alikes
Not every penny with a space between “A” and “M” is worth a fortune. Avoid these common traps:
- ❌ 1999–2008 Wide AM cents → common, worth only a few dollars.
- ❌ Close AM 1998 pennies → normal issue, face value only.
- ❌ Cleaned or damaged coins → value drops drastically.
📊 Grading & Value Guide (2024 Market Prices)
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $50,000 – $250,000 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $300,000 – $750,000 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67+ RD) | $1M – $1.5M |
👉 Condition is everything! Even the smallest scratch or cleaning mark can slash the price.
🧤 What To Do If You Find One
- Handle ONLY by the edges (wear cotton gloves).
- Take clear photos under natural light (front, back, and edge).
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication immediately.
- Insure the coin for $1M+ before sending it anywhere.
⚠️ WARNING: These coins are 100x rarer than the 1909-S VDB penny. Expert verification is essential—many counterfeits exist.
✨ Why This Penny Is the Holy Grail of Modern Errors
✔️ One of the most valuable modern Lincoln cents.
✔️ Rarity confirmed with only 3 examples known.
✔️ Proof that even pocket change can hold life-changing treasures.
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