The 1992 Close AM Penny: A $5,000 Modern Rarity

The Accidental Mint Error Worth Thousands

The 1992 Close AM Memorial Cent represents one of the most valuable modern penny varieties, created when the U.S. Mint accidentally used a proof die for regular circulation strikes. This subtle but significant error makes certain 1992 pennies worth 100x their face value.

Current Market Values (2024)

Grade	Value Range	Population (PCGS/NGC)
MS67RD	4,000−4,000−6,000	<20
MS65RD	2,000−2,000−3,000	50-75
MS63RD	800−800−1,500	100+
AU55	300−300−600	–
Circulated	100−100−250	–

Recent Notable Sales:

• $5,175 (PCGS MS67RD, 2023)
• $3,450 (NGC MS66RD, 2022)
• $1,725 (PCGS MS65RD, 2021)

How to Spot This Valuable Variety

Key Identification Features:

✅ Date: Must be 1992
✅ Mintmark: Can be Philadelphia (no mark) or Denver (“D”)
✅ “AM” Spacing: Letters nearly touching in “AMERICA”
✅ Reverse Design: Memorial building columns clearly separated

![Comparison showing Close AM vs. normal spacing]

Diagnostic Details:

• Weight: 2.5 grams (copper-plated zinc)
• Edge: Plain (normal Memorial cent edge)
• Die Markers: Slight doubling may be present

Why This Variety Commands Premium Prices

1. Rarity:
   • Estimated 5,000-10,000 struck
   • Few survive in gem condition
2. Historical Significance:
   • Last year of the “Close AM” variety
   • Shows mint die preparation processes
3. Collector Demand:
   • Needed for modern variety sets
   • Popular with error coin specialists

Grading & Authentication

Critical Grading Factors:

• “AM” Spacing: Must show clear touching/almost touching
• Color Preservation: Red (RD) specimens command premiums
• Surface Quality: No cleaning or damage

Beware of:

• Post-mint alterations
• Counterfeit “Close AM” varieties
• Misidentified 1992-D coins

Verification Steps:

1. Measure “AM” spacing under 10x magnification
2. Compare to PCGS VarietyPlus images
3. Check for other die markers

Where to Find These Rare Pennies

Best Hunting Grounds:

1. Original Bank Rolls (Especially 1992-D rolls)
2. Coin Dealer Junk Bins (Often overlooked)
3. Estate Collections (Unsearched accumulations)

Pro Tip:

The 1992-D Close AM is slightly rarer than Philadelphia issues and commands 20-30% higher premiums.

“I Found a 1992 Close AM – Now What?” Checklist

1. Handle carefully by edges
2. Photograph under good lighting
3. Compare spacing to verified examples
4. Consider professional grading if MS63+

Grading Cost: 30−30−50 (worth it for potential $5,000 coin)

---

Want More Modern Penny Insights?
Visit PennyVerse.info for:

• Free variety identification guides
• Current market reports
• Collector community forum

Like & Share to help fellow error coin hunters! #PennyErrors #CoinCollecting #1992CloseAM

PS: Your pocket change could contain a four-figure penny – check those 1992 dates! 🔍💰

PennyVerse.info – Your ultimate destination for numismatic discoveries!

---