About the 1998 Wide AM Cent
The 1998 Wide AM Lincoln cent is a well-known modern variety that collectors actively search for in circulation. While most 1998 pennies feature a Close AM on the reverse design, a small number were mistakenly struck using a proof reverse die that displays a Wide AM spacing in the word “AMERICA”. Because this reverse style was not intended for circulation coins that year, the 1998 Wide AM has become a popular variety among Lincoln cent collectors.
Although millions of normal 1998 pennies were produced, only a small number display the Wide AM reverse. As a result, genuine examples can sell for a noticeable premium depending on their condition.
What is a Wide AM Penny?
The term “Wide AM” refers to the spacing between the letters A and M in the word AMERICA on the reverse of the coin.
Normally, circulation Lincoln cents from the late 1990s used a Close AM design where the A and M are almost touching together by the lower left corner of the A and the bottom right corner of the M. However, proof coins struck for collectors used a different reverse design where the letters have noticeably wider spacing.
Occasionally, a proof reverse die was mistakenly used to strike circulation coins. When this happens, the coin shows the Wide AM spacing, creating a collectible variety.
In addition to the Wide AM variety on the 1998 cent, the 1999 and 2000 Lincoln cents also had Wide AM varieties, with 1999 typically being the most rare and valuable of the three.
In addition to these varieties, in 1992 some cents had the opposite error. Some coins were being struck with a Close AM instead of a Wide AM. This variety is much more rare than any Wide AM variety, and was on both Philadelphia and Denver minted cents. Values both 1992 Close AM cents easily exceed $2,000 or more, and in high mint state conditions, they can reach well over $20,000.
How to Identify the 1998 Wide AM Penny
The easiest way to identify if you truly have a 1998 Wide AM variety is by examining the spacing between the “A” and the “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse of the coin (the side with the Lincoln memorial).
Key identification features:
- The “A” and “M” are clearly separated
- There is visible space between the two letters
- The reverse design matches the proof coin spacing
As you can see in the Wide AM example, the gap between the “A” and “M” in America is much greater. In the Close AM example, the “A” and “M” are nearly touching. The gap is very clear in the Wide AM example, matching the 1998 proof die spacing.
Why does the 1998 Wide AM Exist?
The 1998 Wide AM variety exists because a proof reverse die was accidentally used to strike circulation coins at the Philadelphia Mint.
Proof coins are specially struck for collectors and use slightly different dies than circulation coins. When one of these dies is mistakenly used for regular production, the coins struck from it display the proof reverse design.
Because only a small number of coins were struck before the error was discovered or the die was replaced, the resulting coins are much less common than normal issues.
1998 Wide AM Penny Value
The value of a 1998 Wide AM penny depends heavily on its condition. Circulated examples are collectible but generally sell for modest prices, while high-grade uncirculated coins can be worth significantly more. View the graph below to see rough values on a 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Cent.
As shown by the graphic, prices for this coin range from as low as five dollars, to as high as $85 for a MS65 Red example. High graded uncirculated examples, specifically in the MS67 or higher range, can sell for close to or sometimes exceeding $1,000.
Overall, this coin makes for a great variety that is affordable for all collectors. Whether you want a low grade variety, or a high grade coin, you can get it for a very fair price. Many collectors today still search through coin rolls, hoping to come across this variety.
1998 Wide AM Mintage and Rarity
Although the exact number of 1998 Wide AM cents produced is unknown, the variety is believed to have originated from a small number of proof reverse dies used in circulation striking. Compared to the 5.03 billion total Lincoln cents minted in 1998, the Wide AM variety represents only a tiny fraction of the total mintage.
Because the variety was discovered relatively quickly, many collectors began searching for examples in circulation and saving them. As a result, many thousands are believed to have survived today, although high grade specimens remain desirable.
The coin overall is considered moderately rare, comparing in rarity to coins such as the 2000 Wide AM cent, or 1970-S Small Date Lincoln cent.
Summary of the 1998 Wide AM Cent
The 1998 Wide AM Lincoln cent is a popular modern variety created when a proof reverse die was mistakenly used to strike circulation coins. The variety can be identified by the wide spacing between the “A” and “M” in AMERICA on the reverse of the coin. While circulated examples are relatively affordable, high-grade uncirculated coins can sell for much higher prices.
Because of its interesting origin and collectible value, the 1998 Wide AM penny remains a variety that many collectors continue to search for today.
If you would like to learn more about valuable Lincoln cents, explore our other guides on Lincoln cents and rare pennies.
Collectors interested in additional doubled die varieties may also enjoy our guide to the 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln cent.
