$25,850 Penny Alert: The 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent That Could Be in Your Change!

Imagine finding a 1992 penny in your pocket worth more than $25,000.

That’s the reality with the 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent, one of the rarest transitional errors in modern U.S. coinage. Even today, examples are still being discovered in circulation. Here’s everything you need to know to spot one.

What Is the 1992 Close AM Error?

This tiny design mistake makes all the difference:

Reverse Design Anomaly

The “A” and “M” in AMERICA are touching or nearly touching
Regular 1992 pennies have a wide gap between the letters
The reverse was originally intended only for proof coins, but it was mistakenly used on regular pennies

Obverse Side

Standard 1992 Lincoln design
Found with no mintmark (Philadelphia) and with “D” mintmark (Denver)
The 1992-D version is much rarer and far more valuable

Error Type Breakdown

Transitional design error
Proof reverse die used on business strikes
Listed in the Cherrypickers’ Guide (FS-901)
Among the rarest Lincoln Memorial cent reverses ever produced

2024 Value & Auction Records

Grade	PCGS Market Value	Auction Record
MS-63 RD	$8,000 – $12,000	$13,200
MS-65 RD	$15,000 – $20,000	$25,850
MS-67 RD	Extremely rare	Not yet sold

Historic Highlight: A 1992-D Close AM in MS-67 Red sold for $25,850 at Heritage Auctions.

5-Step Authentication Checklist

Check AM Spacing → The “A” and “M” nearly touch
Verify the Mintmark → Must be 1992 or 1992-D, no damage or doubling
Reverse Diagnostics → FG initials placement confirms proof reverse
Grade & Color → Red (RD) Mint State coins bring top prices
Certification → Must be graded by PCGS or NGC with FS-901 label

Why It’s Worth $25,000+

Fewer than 20 confirmed 1992-D Close AMs exist
Rare proof reverse used on circulation coins
Requires magnification to confirm
Highly sought after by serious collectors