Did you know a small design difference on a 1992 penny could make it worth thousands of dollars? That’s right! The 1992 Close AM penny is one of the most valuable modern Lincoln cents, and collectors are always on the hunt for this rare variety.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:
✅ What the 1992 Close AM penny is
✅ How to identify one
✅ How much it’s worth today
✅ Where you might find one in your change
Let’s dive in!
What is an Error Coin?
Check out this page to learn all about error coins!
🔎 What Is the 1992 Close AM Penny?
The 1992 Lincoln penny was struck at both the Philadelphia (no mintmark) and Denver (D mintmark) Mints. Most 1992 pennies have a small gap between the “A” and “M” in AMERICA on the reverse (called a “Wide AM”).
But a rare mistake happened… A few 1992 pennies were accidentally struck with the design intended for 1993, where the A and M are nearly touching (Close AM).
This tiny design difference makes the 1992 Close AM penny extremely valuable!
🧐 How to Identify a 1992 Close AM Penny
You don’t need special tools—just a sharp eye! Here’s what to look for:
1️⃣ Check the “AM” in AMERICA
- Wide AM (Common): There’s a noticeable gap between the A and M.
- Close AM (Rare!): The A and M are so close they almost touch.
2️⃣ Look for the Mintmark
- The 1992 Close AM exists on both Philadelphia (no mintmark) and Denver (D mintmark) coins.
- The 1992-D Close AM is the rarest and most valuable!
3️⃣ Inspect the Designer’s Initials (FG)
- The “FG” (Frank Gasparro’s initials) should be farther from the Lincoln Memorial on Close AM pennies.
- On Wide AM pennies, the FG is closer to the building.
💰 How Much Is a 1992 Close AM Penny Worth?
The value of a 1992 Close AM penny depends on its condition:
| Condition | 1992 Close AM (No Mintmark) | 1992-D Close AM (Denver) |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $2,000 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $10,000+ |
| Uncirculated (MS63+) | $10,000 – $25,000 | $20,000 – $50,000+ |
💡 Fun Fact: A 1992-D Close AM penny sold for $25,850 at auction!
🏆 Where to Find a 1992 Close AM Penny
Yes, you can still find one in circulation! Here’s where to check:
- Your pocket change – Always inspect your 1992 pennies!
- Old coin rolls – Bank-wrapped or customer-rolled pennies can hide treasures.
- Estate sales & flea markets – Sellers may not realize what they have.
- Coin collections – Many people overlook this variety!
👉 Pro Tip: Use a magnifying glass or a coin loupe to check your 1992 pennies closely.
🔥 Final Thoughts – Could YOU Have a $20,000 Penny?
The 1992 Close AM penny is one of the most valuable Lincoln cent varieties, and it’s still being discovered! Even if you’ve never searched for rare coins before, this is an easy one to check for—just look at the AM in AMERICA.
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Have you ever found a valuable penny? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️💬
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