1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny Value: Is Your Cent Worth $500?

The 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny value ranges from a few dollars in circulated condition to over $600 in high-grade Mint State. While most pennies from the late 90s are only worth face value, this specific “Wide AM” variety is a rare treasure hunt find that everyday collectors can spot with the naked eye.

What Exactly is the 1998 Wide AM Penny Variety?

If you have a jar of loose change, finding a valuable error might be easier than you think with a free coin identifier app. The 1998 Wide AM Penny is what numismatists call a “mule” error. This happened when the United States Mint accidentally used a Proof die to strike regular business-strike coins intended for general circulation.

In a standard 1998 penny, the letters “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” on the reverse side should be almost touching (Close AM). However, on the Wide AM variety, there is a distinct, visible gap between these two letters. This small mistake happened because the Mint used dies meant for Proof coins—the shiny ones made specifically for collectors—on the high-speed presses used for the coins in your pocket.

Because these coins were released into the wild, many are now worn down. However, because they are relatively modern, many are still floating around in unsearched rolls. If you want to check your spare change quickly, using an app like CoinKnow can help you zoom in on the lettering to see if you’ve hit the jackpot.

How to Identify a 1998 Wide AM Cent

Identifying this variety requires looking at two key areas on the reverse (tails) side of the coin. First, look at the word “AMERICA.” On a 1998 Wide AM, there is a clear space between the bottom of the A and the bottom of the M. On a normal penny from that year, the feet of these letters are virtually touching.

Second, check the designer’s initials, “FG” (Frank Gasparro), located to the right of the Lincoln Memorial. On the Wide AM variety, the initials are closer to the Memorial building than they are on the standard Close AM version. Furthermore, the “G” in the initials lacks a vertical “serif” or bar on the Wide AM version.

To help you distinguish between the common and rare versions, refer to this comparison table:

Detailed Price Guide for 1998 Wide AM Pennies

The market for these coins is very active because they are modern and “findable.” According to the latest 1998 Wide AM penny price data, the most significant factor in value is the “Red” (RD) color designation. Copper coins that retain their original mint luster and orange-red glow command much higher prices than those that have turned brown (BN) or red-brown (RB).

For a coin found in pocket change that shows some scratches and dullness, you can expect a value between $5 and $20. This is still hundreds of times its face value! If you find a shiny, uncirculated version in a bank roll, the price jumps significantly. Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is usually recommended for coins that appear to be in “Mint State” to maximize their resale value.

By using CoinKnow, you can compare your find against high-resolution images of graded coins to see where yours might fall on the scale. High-grade specimens in MS66 or MS67 Red are rare and often trigger bidding wars at specialty auctions.

Why Do These Errors Happen at the Mint?

You might wonder how such an obvious mistake happens in a modern facility like the Philadelphia Mint. During the 1990s, the Mint changed the design of the Lincoln Cent several times to improve strike quality. They specifically designed different dies for “Business Strikes” (the coins we use) and “Proof Strikes” (the coins sold in sets).

The Proof die featured the “Wide AM” spacing because it allowed for a more aesthetically pleasing design on the high-quality finish. However, through human error, a few of these Proof dies were installed on the production lines meant for standard pennies in 1998, 1999, and 2000.

While the 1999 Wide AM is the “King” of this series (often worth over $500 even in poor condition), the 1998 version is the second rarest. Because billions of pennies were minted in 1998, finding these errors is like looking for a needle in a haystack, which is exactly why collectors are willing to pay a premium for them. To understand the full context of this era, you can check this 1998 penny collector value guide for more details on other errors from the same year.

Where to Sell Your 1998 Wide AM Penny

If you believe you have found one of these valuable cents, your first step should be to confirm it with a magnifying glass or a digital microscope. Once confirmed, you have several options for selling. Online marketplaces like eBay are popular for raw (ungraded) coins, where they typically sell for $10 to $30.

For coins that are in perfect, shiny condition with no scratches, it is highly recommended to have them professionally graded. A certified coin with an “MS66 RD” label will sell much faster and for a higher price than an uncertified one. Collectors feel more confident buying from an auction house or a certified dealer when the coin’s authenticity is guaranteed.

If you are unsure of the quality, use the CoinKnow app to get an instant second opinion. It uses AI to analyze the condition and coin type, which can prevent you from spending money on grading fees for a coin that might only be worth a few cents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How rare is the 1998 Wide AM Penny?

A: While not as rare as the 1999 Wide AM, it is still considered a scarce variety. Only a small fraction of the billions of pennies minted in 1998 share this error. Most estimates suggest there are thousands in circulation, but many go unnoticed by the general public.

Q: Can I find a 1998 Wide AM in my pocket change?

A: Yes! Unlike silver coins from the 1960s, these error pennies are still circulating. People find them every day while “roll hunting” (buying boxes of pennies from the bank) or simply checking their change after a grocery store visit.

Q: Do all 1998 pennies have a “Wide AM”?

A: No. 99.9% of 1998 pennies are the standard “Close AM” variety, which are only worth one cent. You must look closely at the spacing between the A and M in AMERICA to determine if you have the valuable version.

Q: Is there a 1998-D Wide AM?

A: No. The Wide AM variety has only been discovered on pennies minted in Philadelphia (those with no mint mark). If your penny has a “D” under the date, it is almost certainly a standard Close AM penny.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1998 Wide AM?

A: Exceptional specimens in MS67 Red condition have sold at auction for over $2,500. However, for most collectors, a high-quality find will typically fetch between $100 and $400.