---
title: "1999 Wide AM Penny Value: How to Spot It"
description: "The 1999 Wide AM Lincoln cent is a rare reverse die variety you can find in change. Value, how to tell Wide AM from Close AM, and related years."
canonical: https://dimehound.app/coins/1999-wide-am-penny-value/
author: Mike Moore
published: 2026-10-08
modified: 2026-10-08
values_checked: Oct 8, 2026
---

# 1999 Wide AM Penny Value: How to Spot It

By Mike Moore. Published Oct 8, 2026. Updated Oct 8, 2026. Canonical page: https://dimehound.app/coins/1999-wide-am-penny-value/

A 1999 Wide AM penny retails around $612 in gem uncirculated condition, and circulated ones still sell for a solid premium. The tell is a clear gap between the A and the M in AMERICA on the back. Most 1999 pennies have the A and M almost touching and are worth one cent.

- **Variety:** 1999 Philadelphia cent struck with a proof-style reverse, FS-901.
- **The tell:** A and M in AMERICA clearly separated, and the FG initials close to the Memorial building.
- **Related:** Wide AM business strikes also exist for 1998 and 2000, but are worth much less.

## Value by grade

**Wide AM and Close AM values (MS65 unless noted)**

| Coin | Value |
| --- | --- |
| 1999 Wide AM | $612 |
| 1998 Wide AM | $30 |
| 2000 Wide AM | $25 |
| 1999-S Close AM proof (PR65) | $100 |
| 1992 Close AM | $12,164 |
| Normal 1999 cent | $0.36 |

Retail values from USA Coin Book. Values checked Oct 8, 2026.

## What to look for

- Flip the coin and look at AMERICA. On a Wide AM the A and M have a visible gap. On a normal coin they nearly touch at the base.
- Check the FG initials to the right of the Memorial steps. On a Wide AM they sit closer to the building.
- 1999 with no mint mark only. A 1999-D is not this variety.

## Fakes and lookalikes

- Worn or damaged letters can fool you. Compare to a known normal 1999 side by side under the same light.

## Find my keepers

Dime Hound is a coin scanner for iPhone and Android. Join the waitlist at https://dimehound.app/coins/1999-wide-am-penny-value/#keepers and we'll email you once, the day it launches.

## FAQ

### How much is a 1999 Wide AM penny worth?

About $612 in gem uncirculated per USA Coin Book. Circulated ones sell for less but still well above face.

### How do I check for Wide AM?

Look at the A and M in AMERICA on the back. A clear gap means Wide AM. Touching or nearly touching means normal.

### What about the 1992 Close AM?

That is the reverse situation: a normal 1992 has a wide gap, and the rare 1992 Close AM has the letters touching. It is worth about $12,164 in MS65.

## Related coins

- [1995 Doubled Die Penny Value: What Yours Is Worth](https://dimehound.app/coins/1995-doubled-die-penny-value/)
- [1972 Doubled Die Penny Value: What Yours Is Worth](https://dimehound.app/coins/1972-doubled-die-penny-value/)
- [1982 Penny Value: Copper, Zinc, Large Date and Small Date](https://dimehound.app/coins/1982-penny-value/)
- [1969-S Doubled Die Penny Value: Is Yours the Rare One?](https://dimehound.app/coins/1969-s-doubled-die-penny-value/)
- [1955 Doubled Die Penny Value: What a Real One Is Worth](https://dimehound.app/coins/1955-doubled-die-penny-value/)

## Sources

1. [USA Coin Book, Lincoln Memorial cent values](https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/small-cents/lincoln-memorial-cent/)
2. [PCGS CoinFacts, 1999 1C Wide AM RD](https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1999-1c-wide-am-rd/83154)

Values are retail estimates or recorded sale prices from the sources above, checked Oct 8, 2026. What a dealer pays you is usually less than retail.