A Penny Worth a Fortune
A 1999 Lincoln penny sold for a jaw-dropping $145,000 at a recent auction, showing that small change can hold big value. This coin, called the 1999 Wide AM penny, is rare because of a mistake made at the U.S. Mint. They used a special proof die, meant for collector coins, to make some regular pennies in Philadelphia. This error created a unique feature that collectors prize. With billions of pennies made in 1999, finding one of these could turn your pocket change into a treasure.
What Makes the Wide AM Penny Special?
The 1999 Wide AM penny is easy to spot if you know what to look for. On the back of the coin, check the word “AMERICA.” Regular 1999 pennies have a “Close AM” design, where the letters “A” and “M” almost touch. The rare Wide AM version has a clear gap between these letters. Another clue is the designer’s initials, “FG” (for Frank Gasparro), located near the Lincoln Memorial. On the Wide AM penny, these initials are farther from the Memorial than on standard coins. Only a few thousand of these error coins are thought to exist, making them a hot find for collectors.
How to Check Your Pennies
To find a 1999 Wide AM penny, start with these steps:
- Look at the date and mint mark. These rare coins were made in Philadelphia, so they have no mint mark under the date.
- Use a 5x magnifying glass to check the back of the coin. Look for a clear space between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.”
- Check the “FG” initials near the Lincoln Memorial. They should be farther away than on regular pennies.
- Handle the coin carefully to avoid scratches, as damage can lower its value.
- For confirmation, send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check for no mint mark under 1999 |
| 2 | Look for gap between A and M in AMERICA |
| 3 | Confirm FG initials are farther from Memorial |
| 4 | Handle gently to avoid damage |
| 5 | Get coin graded by PCGS or NGC |
Value by Condition
The value of a 1999 Wide AM penny depends on its condition. Circulated coins, with visible wear, can sell for $50 to $150. Uncirculated coins, with no wear, are worth more. For example, a coin graded MS66 (near perfect) can fetch $400 to $600, while an MS67 (almost flawless) might bring $1,000 to $2,000. The $145,000 auction price was for a top-quality coin, likely graded MS68 or higher, showing how condition drives value.
| Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated (VF-EF) | $50-$150 |
| Uncirculated (MS66) | $400-$600 |
| Uncirculated (MS67) | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Top Quality (MS68+) | Up to $145,000 |
Tips for Collectors
Don’t clean your coins, as cleaning can ruin their value. Store them in protective holders to keep them safe. If you think you have a Wide AM penny, contact a trusted coin dealer or auction house. The recent $145,000 sale has sparked excitement, so check your coin jars or loose change. One was even found in McDonald’s change in 2023, proving these coins are still out there.
Why It’s Worth the Hunt
The 1999 Wide AM penny shows how a small minting error can create a big payoff. While most 1999 pennies are worth just one cent, a rare find could change your life. This recent auction reminds us to look closely at our change. The thrill of finding a valuable coin makes every penny worth a second glance, so start checking today—you might have a fortune in your pocket.