🚨 Did you know a simple pocket-change penny from 1999 sold for $4,000?
That’s because it had a rare “Wide AM” reverse variety — a small design difference most collectors overlook. Here’s how to spot one and why it’s worth so much.
🔍 How to Identify a 1999 Wide AM Penny
- Reverse Side: Focus on the word AMERICA.
- Key Feature: Look for a clear gap between the “A” and “M.”
- Normal 1999 pennies = letters nearly touching.
- Wide AM pennies = visible separation.
- Magnification: Use a 10x loupe for accuracy.
- Year-Specific: Only applies to 1999 business strike pennies (other Wide AM years exist but are less valuable).
💎 Why the 1999 Wide AM Is Valuable
- Scarcity: Only a limited batch of 1999 cents left the Mint with this reverse.
- Collector Demand: Needed by error and variety collectors to complete their sets.
- Proven Sales: High-grade examples regularly sell in the thousands.
💰 Record Sale: A 1999 Wide AM Lincoln cent in top condition sold for $4,000+.
⚠️ Avoid Fakes
Scammers often try to pass off altered coins. Protect yourself by:
- Comparing to Known Images: Check PCGS CoinFacts or NGC resources.
- Getting Certified: PCGS/NGC grading ensures authenticity and boosts resale value.
- Watching Out for Photoshop: Many fake listings exaggerate the AM gap.
🛠️ What to Do If You Find One
- Do NOT Clean It: Cleaning destroys value.
- Get It Graded: Submit to PCGS/NGC ($30–$50 fee is worth it).
- Sell Smart:
- eBay → Use keywords like “1999 Wide AM Penny PCGS MS-65”.
- Heritage Auctions → Best for high-grade pieces.
- Coin Forums → Network directly with serious collectors.
📌 Key Takeaways for Collectors
- ✅ Check every 1999 penny — even circulated ones can be Wide AM.
- ✅ Use a loupe to spot the gap between “A” and “M.”
- ✅ Grade before selling — certification maximizes profit.
#CoinCollecting #PennyErrors #RareCoins
💬 Think you’ve found a 1999 Wide AM penny? Post photos in our PennyVerse Forum for a free authenticity check!
🏛️ PennyVerse.info – Your Go-To Source for Rare Coin Insights Since 2010
Turn spare change into treasure — start hunting today!
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