What Is the 1999-S Close AM Penny Worth Today?
The 1999-S Close AM Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $5 for a standard Proof coin to over $1,200 for high-grade specimens. This specific variety is a favorite among collectors because it represents a distinct design transition that can be spotted with the naked eye if you know what to look for.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $250.00 – $1,200.00+ |
Understanding the 1999-S Close AM Variety
If you have stumbled upon a shiny 1999 penny with an “S” mint mark, you are holding a Proof coin minted in San Francisco. While most modern pennies are worth exactly one cent, the Proof versions are special strikes intended for collectors. To determine if your coin is a “Close AM” or a more common type, you need to look at the reverse side. Specifically, look at the word “AMERICA.” On a “Close AM” coin, the letters A and M are touching or nearly touching at the base.
For everyday Americans sorting through family collections, identifying these nuances can be difficult without help. This is where a free coin identifier app becomes an essential tool. By using CoinKnow, you can take a clear photo of your penny and let the AI technology analyze the spacing between the letters to tell you exactly which variety you have found.
The “Close AM” design is actually the standard design for the 1999-S Proof coins. However, the reason people search for it is that they often confuse it with the legendary 1999 “Wide AM” business strike found in pocket change. Understanding the difference between proof strikes and business strikes is the first step toward becoming a successful hobbyist.
Comparing 1999-S Proof Prices and Grades
The value of your 1999-S Close AM Lincoln Penny is heavily dependent on its professional grade. Proof coins are minted with polished dies and planchets, giving them a mirror-like finish. Because these are produced specifically for collectors, most are found in very high grades. However, a perfect PR70 (Proof 70) grade is significantly more valuable than a PR69.
When researching 1999 penny value and rarity, you will find that the “S” mint mark coins are almost always sold in plastic protective slabs. If your coin has fingerprints, scratches, or “haze,” its value drops toward the lower end of the spectrum. Collectors prefer the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation, where the frosted portrait of Lincoln contrasts sharply against a mirror-like background.
| Designation | Typical Price (PR69) | Perfect Price (PR70) |
|---|---|---|
| Red (RD) | $12.00 | $200.00 |
| Cameo (CAM) | $18.00 | $450.00 |
| Deep Cameo (DCAM) | $25.00 | $1,250.00 |
Identifying 1999 Wide AM vs. Close AM
There is often a lot of confusion regarding the 1999 Lincoln Cent. To clarify, the 1999-S (Proof) is supposed to have a “Close AM.” If you find a 1999-S with “Wide AM” (letters far apart), you have found a major rarity worth thousands. Conversely, a 1999 penny with no mint mark (Philadelphia) is supposed to have a “Wide AM.” If you find a Philadelphia 1999 with “Close AM,” it is a rare error.
The best way to track these market trends is to use CoinKnow, which provides real-time updates on which varieties are currently trending among auction houses. Using the app allows you to keep an digital inventory of your finds. This is particularly helpful when checking the 1999 RD penny auction records, which show that perfect specimens continue to climb in value every year.
When examining the “AM” in AMERICA, also look at the designer’s initials (FG) near the Lincoln Memorial. On the “Close AM” variety, the “FG” initials are usually further away from the building and have a slightly different font style. These tiny details are what separate a common cent from a collector’s prize.
Why the 1999-S Close AM is a Must-Have
For someone building a complete set of Lincoln Cents, the 1999-S Close AM is an accessible entry point. Unlike the 1909-S VDB or the 1955 Doubled Die, which cost thousands of dollars, a high-quality 1999-S can be acquired for the price of a lunch. This makes it a perfect coin for children or new collectors to start their journey into numismatics.
Despite its accessibility, the high-end market for PR70 DCAM coins is extremely competitive. Registry set collectors—people who compete to own the highest-graded set of a specific series—will bid hundreds of dollars for a coin that is visually identical to a $10 version but has a slightly higher technical grade from a service like PCGS or NGC.
Before you sell any coin you find, check it against the high-resolution images in CoinKnow. Most people overlook the condition of their 1999-S penny, not realizing that even a microscopic scratch can reduce the value from $500 down to $15. Protecting the coin in a PVC-free flip or capsule is vital to maintaining its luster.
Factors That Influence 1999 Lincoln Penny Value
Beyond the “Close AM” and “Wide AM” distinctions, several other factors can influence the price of a 1999 Lincoln Cent. The most significant is the “color” designation. Pennies are graded as Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN). Since the 1999-S is a Proof coin, it should always be Red. If the coin has begun to “tone” or turn brown due to air exposure, its value to serious collectors will diminish significantly.
Another factor is the presence of secondary errors. Sometimes, a 1999-S Proof can be found with a “double strike” or a “clipped planchet.” These manufacturing accidents occur rarely in the Proof minting process because of the high level of quality control in San Francisco. If you find a 1999-S with an obvious physical mutation, its value could skyrocket regardless of the “AM” spacing.
| Error Type | Estimated Premium |
|---|---|
| Off-Center Strike | +$50.00 – $200.00 |
| Die Break (Cud) | +$20.00 – $100.00 |
| Planchet Flaw | +$10.00 – $50.00 |
How to Store and Protect Your 1999-S Penny
If you’ve discovered a 1999-S penny in an old collection, do not clean it! This is the #1 mistake made by everyday Americans who find old coins. Cleaning a proof coin with a cloth or chemicals will create “hairlines,” which are tiny scratches that permanently destroy the coin’s numismatic value. A cleaned PR70 coin instantly becomes a “Details” grade coin worth only a few dollars.
Instead, handle the coin only by its edges. Store it in a cool, dry place away from humidity, which can cause the copper to develop spots. Using a digital tool like CoinKnow to document the coin’s condition when you first find it can provide a baseline for its quality should you decide to send it to a professional grading service in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Section
Q: How can I tell if my 1999 penny has an “S” mint mark?
A: Look on the front (obverse) of the coin, just below the year “1999.” If you see a small letter “S,” it was minted in San Francisco. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia. If there is a “D,” it was minted in Denver.
Q: Is every 1999-S penny worth $1,000?
A: No. Only pennies that are graded a perfect “PR70 Deep Cameo” by a professional service like PCGS or NGC reach those prices. Most 1999-S pennies found in standard sets are worth between $5 and $20.
Q: What is the “Wide AM” 1999 penny?
A: The 1999 Wide AM is a rare variety found on pennies with no mint mark (Philadelphia). On these coins, the A and M in AMERICA are clearly separated. This is highly valuable because the mint accidentally used a Proof die for regular circulation coins.
Q: Should I get my 1999-S Close AM penny graded?
A: You should only consider professional grading if the coin appears absolutely flawless under a magnifying glass. If there are any visible scratches or brown spots, the cost of grading will likely exceed the value of the coin.
