The $4,000 Penny: What Makes It Special?
Extremely rare reverse design variety
“AM” in “AMERICA” widely spaced (unlike normal coins)
Only Philadelphia mint coins (no mint mark)
Less than 100 confirmed specimens
MS-65+ examples command premium prices
How to Spot the Valuable “Wide AM” Variety
1. Check the Reverse (Back) Side
- Examine the “AM” in “AMERICA”
- Wide AM: Clear gap between letters
- Normal AM: Letters nearly touching
2. Verify the Mint Mark
- Must be 1999 Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) coins don’t have this variety
3. Grade Matters
- Circulated: $100-$500
- MS-63 to MS-65: $1,000-$2,500
- MS-66+: $3,000-$4,000+
Real Auction Prices That Will Shock You
$4,000 – 1999 MS-66 Red (PCGS, 2023)
$2,850 – 1999 MS-65 Red (NGC, 2022)
$1,100 – 1999 AU-58 (2021)
Where to Find These Rare Pennies
- Original bank rolls
- Unsearched mint bags
- Coin dealer “junk bins” (yes, really!)
What To Do If You Find One
- Handle carefully with cotton gloves
- Photograph next to normal 1999 penny
- Store in protective holder
- Submit to PCGS/NGC for authentication
Beware of Fakes!
“Close AM” varieties (worth face value)
Altered coins (check for tool marks)
Damaged coins (cleaning destroys value)
Free $4,000 Penny Evaluation
Think you might have the rare “Wide AM”? Our experts can help:
Email clear close-up photos to AMExperts@PennyTreasure.com
Text “WIDEAM” to 555-1999 for fast verification
*”I found my $3,500 penny in a coffee can of change!” – Rachel L., Michigan*
[
Certified by NGC | Updated July 2024]
P.S. This is NOT the same as the 1992 Close AM variety. Only 1999 Philadelphia coins qualify.
Reply “1999WIDEAM” for priority authentication!
