$25,850 PENNY ALERT: The 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent That Could Be in Your Pocket Change

Imagine finding a penny in your change that could turn into a $25,000 payday.

That’s the reality with the 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent, one of the rarest transitional errors in modern U.S. coinage. And guess what? It’s still out there hiding in circulation.

What Is the 1992 Close AM Error?

This variety looks almost identical to a normal penny—until you zoom in:

Reverse Design Anomaly

The “A” and “M” in AMERICA are touching or nearly touching.
Normal 1992 pennies have a clear gap between the letters.
This reverse design was meant for proof coins, but accidentally made its way onto business strikes.

Obverse Side

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

Why This Error Is Legendary

Transitional design error (proof reverse on circulation strike)
Confirmed in the Cherrypickers’ Guide (FS-901)
One of the rarest Lincoln Memorial cent reverses ever made
Highly prized by registry set collectors

Auction Records & Value Guide (2024–2025)

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 publicly sold

Historic Highlight: A 1992-D Close AM in MS-67 Red shocked the coin world when it sold for $25,850 at Heritage Auctions.

5-Step Authentication Checklist

Check the AM spacing — letters nearly touch.
Verify the mintmark/date — only “1992” or “1992-D.”
Look at FG initials — reverse diagnostics confirm the die.
Color & grade count — Red (RD) + high Mint State = top value.
Get it certified — must be PCGS/NGC with FS-901 on the label.

Why It Can Be Worth $25,000+

Fewer than 20 confirmed 1992-D Close AMs exist.
Proof dies used for circulation pennies = extreme rarity.
Most people overlook this error—it takes magnification to spot.
Strong demand from Lincoln cent registry collectors.