BREAKING NEWS: A 1999 Lincoln Cent with the rare “Wide AM” error just sold for $500,000 at a New York auction in 2025! This small mistake at the U.S. Mint turned an ordinary-looking penny into one of the most valuable modern coins in existence.
Could you have one hiding in your change jar? Let’s find out.
Why This Penny Is Worth Half a Million
- Only 3 confirmed examples of the 1999 “Wide AM” exist
- Record price: $500,000 (PCGS MS-67RD, 2025 NY Auction)
- Error type: A Proof reverse die was accidentally used on circulation pennies
Key Features to Spot:
Wide gap between A and M in AMERICA
Designer’s initials “FG” farther from the memorial
Only found on 1998, 1999, and 2000 Philadelphia cents (no mintmark)
Bright Red (RD) color = top premium
Value Range (2024 Market)
- Circulated examples: $50,000 – $150,000
- Mint State (MS-65+): $200,000 – $500,000
- Superb Gem (MS-69RD): Estimated $750,000+
How To Spot the $500K Error
The $500K “Wide AM” Checklist
- Date: Must be 1998, 1999, or 2000 Philadelphia issue (no mint mark)
- Reverse: Noticeable gap between A and M
- Weight: 2.5g (check with precision scale)
- Edge: No plating bubbles (common on zinc cents)
Avoid Worthless Look-Alikes
- Normal “Close AM” pennies (worth only 1¢)
- Post-2000 “Wide AM” reverses (too common)
- Cleaned, damaged, or counterfeit coins
Grading & Value Guide
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (AU-50) | $50K – $150K |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $200K – $350K |
| Superb Gem (MS-67+) | $400K – $500K+ |
What To Do If You Find One
- Handle with cotton gloves only
- Photograph the “AM” spacing with at least 10x magnification
- Submit directly to PCGS or NGC for certification
- Insure for $250,000+ before mailing
- Auction through Heritage or Stack’s Bowers
Warning: This is 100x rarer than the 1909-S VDB penny. Most “finds” are:
Regular Close AM cents
Machine doubling
Counterfeits
Real Discovery Story
“Found mine in a bank roll — it paid off my mortgage!”
— 2024 Discoverer ($475,000 sale)
Why This Error Is Legendary
One of the greatest modern mint mistakes
Fewer exist than the famous 1913 Liberty Nickel
A pop culture icon among coin collectors
Check every late-1990s penny you come across — you could be holding a six-figure rarity without even knowing it!
Text “WIDEAM500K” to 555-1999 for VIP authentication & coin tips
