Breaking News: A 1998 Lincoln cent recently sold for an incredible $1.5 MILLION at auction. What looks like an ordinary penny in your pocket could actually be one of the rarest modern U.S. coin errors ever discovered. Here’s everything you need to know about the legendary 1998 “Wide AM” penny.
Why This Penny Is Worth $1.5 Million
The 1998 “Wide AM” cent is a transitional error caused when a proof die was mistakenly used on regular circulation coins.
Extremely Rare – Only 3 confirmed examples exist (fewer than previously believed).
Record Sale – One graded PCGS MS-67RD sold for $1.5M in 2023.
Mint Mistake – Proof dies were never meant for circulation coins.
Key Features of the 1998 “Wide AM” Penny
To identify the million-dollar variety, check these details:
Wide AM – Noticeable gap between the letters “A” and “M” in AMERICA.
Designer Initials – The “FG” is closer to the memorial with sharper, serifed details.
Philadelphia Issue – No mint mark under the date.
Weight – Standard zinc cent weight of 2.5 grams.
Value Guide for the 1998 Wide AM Penny
Not all Wide AM pennies are created equal—condition is everything.
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $50,000 – $250,000 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $300,000 – $750,000 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67RD) | $1,000,000 – $1,500,000 |
Red (RD) examples in high grade bring the highest premiums.
Don’t Be Fooled by Look-Alikes
There are many “Wide AM” cents, but only the 1998 Philadelphia version is worth life-changing money. Watch out for:
- 1999–2008 Wide AMs – Common, usually worth around $5.
- Close AM 1998 cents – Normal strike, only worth face value.
- Damaged or cleaned coins – Cleaning destroys collector value.
What To Do If You Think You Found One
- Handle carefully—use cotton gloves and hold by the edges.
- Take clear photos of both sides under natural light.
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.
- Insure your coin for $1M+ before transporting it.
Important: These are 100x rarer than the 1909-S VDB penny, and many reported finds are fakes. Always rely on expert verification.
So before you spend your next 1998 penny, take a closer look—you might be holding the $1.5 million Wide AM rarity! 
