Breaking News: A 1998 Lincoln cent just sold for an unbelievable $1.5 MILLION! Could your pocket change hold the next million-dollar penny? This ultra-rare “Wide AM” error is one of the most sought-after U.S. coin mistakes in history. Here’s everything you need to know to spot one.
Why This Ordinary Penny Is Worth Millions
Transitional Error: A proof die was mistakenly used for regular circulation strikes.
Extremely Rare: Only 3 confirmed specimens exist (fewer than experts once thought).
Auction Record: A stunning PCGS MS-67RD example sold for $1,500,000 in 2023.
How To Identify the 1998 “Wide AM” Lincoln Cent
Check “AMERICA”
- Normal 1998 penny: The letters A and M are touching.
- Wide AM penny: Clear gap between the “A” and “M.”
Look at the FG Initials
- Designer Frank Gasparro’s “FG” initials are placed closer to the Lincoln Memorial and have sharper, more distinct serifs.
Mint Location
- Only from the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark).
Value Guide (2024 Market Prices)
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $50,000 – $250,000 |
| Mint State (MS-63+) | $300,000 – $750,000 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67+ RD) | $1,000,000 – $1,500,000 |
A single MS-68RD specimen is considered priceless if ever discovered.
Beware of Look-Alikes
1999–2008 “Wide AM” cents – much more common, worth about $5.
Normal 1998 “Close AM” cents – face value only.
Altered or cleaned coins – lose collector value instantly.
Always use a 10x magnifying loupe to confirm details.
What To Do If You Find One
Handle carefully – only by the edges, preferably with cotton gloves.
Take clear photos of both sides under good lighting.
Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.
Insure your coin for $1M+ before transporting it.
Warning: Many “discoveries” turn out to be fakes. Genuine examples are 100x rarer than the famous 1909-S VDB cent.
Final Thoughts
The 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Cent is one of the most legendary modern error coins. With only a handful known, it’s a true million-dollar treasure hiding in plain sight.
Next time you check your change, look closely at that 1998 penny—you might just strike gold with a $1.5 MILLION discovery!
