1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent Value & Price Guide

Every Lincoln cent minted for circulation between 1993 and 2008 was supposed to have a "Close AM" on the reverse, where the letters A and M in "AMERICA" nearly touch. Proof cents used a "Wide AM" where A and M are clearly separated. But in 1998, 1999, and 2000, a small number of circulation strikes were accidentally made using proof reverse dies. The 1999 Wide AM is the most common of the three dates, but "most common" in error coin terms still means scarce enough to make pocket change hunting worthwhile.

The error happened because proof dies and business-strike dies were stored in the same facility, and occasionally a proof reverse die was paired with a business-strike obverse die.

Quick Value Summary

• Item: 1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent

• Year: 1999

• Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark)

• Category: Coins

• Condition Range:

  • Circulated (VF-EF): $25 - $75
  • AU: $75 - $150
  • MS-63: $150 - $250
  • MS-65: $300 - $500+
  • MS-67+: $500 - $1,500+

• Rarity: Uncommon. Estimated several thousand exist, most undetected

The Story

From 1959 to 1992, all Lincoln Memorial cents used the Wide AM. In 1993, the Mint switched to Close AM for business strikes. Proofs kept the Wide AM.

In 1998, 1999, and 2000, proof reverse dies accidentally entered circulation production. The 1998 is rarest and most valuable (MS-64 examples sold for $5,000+). The 1999 is more available but still $50-$500+. The 2000 is most common of the three.

How to Identify It

Look at "AMERICA" on the reverse:

• Close AM (Normal): A and M nearly touch or overlap

• Wide AM (Error): A and M clearly separated

Use at least 5x magnification. Compare with a known normal 1999 cent.

Notes:

• The 1999-D Wide AM has not been confirmed. All verified are Philadelphia

• Strike variations can mimic the effect. Professional grading confirms the variety

Value by Condition

Circulated (VF-EF) - $25 to $75 Visible wear. Wide AM identifiable under magnification.

AU - $75 to $150 Minimal wear. Most original luster remains.

MS-63 - $150 to $250 No wear. Original luster. Minor contact marks from bag handling.

MS-65 - $300 to $500+ Full luster, minimal marks, strong eye appeal.

MS-67+ - $500 to $1,500+ Nearly perfect surfaces. Original red luster preserved. Population thin.

Authentication

• PCGS, NGC, ANACS all recognize and attribute the variety

• Comparison Method: Compare directly with known normal cent under magnification

• Weight and Dimensions: Same as normal 1999 cent (2.5g zinc core with copper plating)

Where to Sell

• eBay: Most active for error coins. Certified examples sell quickly

• Heritage Auctions: For MS-66 and above

• Coin Shows: Error coin dealers actively buy varieties

Estimated Selling Costs:

• PCGS/NGC grading: $25-$40

• eBay fees: approximately 13%

• Shipping: $5-$10

Not sure about the condition of yours? Upload a photo to Curio Comp for a quick AI-powered estimate.

Explore More

The 1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent is the kind of error that makes coin collecting exciting at every budget level. It could be sitting in a jar on your dresser right now. All you need is a magnifying glass and patience. Browse all Coins items ->

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