1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent- Cherrypick Guide And Real-World Sales

The 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent is one of the most exciting modern U.S. coin varieties for collectors.

Known as a transitional error, this coin has turned ordinary pocket change into thousands of dollars for lucky finders.

Both the Philadelphia (no mintmark) and Denver (D) mints produced a very small number of these coins, making them highly desirable in today’s market.

What Is The 1992 Close AM?

In 1993, the U.S. Mint introduced a new reverse design for the Lincoln cent.

However, a few working dies with the updated reverse were mistakenly used in 1992.

The key difference is found in the spacing of the letters A and M in the word AMERICA.

• On regular 1992 cents (called Wide AM), the letters A and M are spaced clearly apart.
• On the rare Close AM, the letters are nearly touching.

Another telltale sign is the designer’s initials FG (for Frank Gasparro). On Close AM coins, the initials sit slightly farther from the base of the Lincoln Memorial compared to the common Wide AM version.

How to Identify a Close AM Cent

If you want to cherrypick one of these coins, use a 10× magnifying glass and follow this checklist:

• AMERICA spacing – Look for the A and M almost touching.
• FG initials – On Close AM coins, the FG is set back from the base of the Memorial.
• Date and Mintmark – Only 1992 and 1992-D cents are affected. Other Close/Wide AM years (1998–2000) have different diagnostics.

Real-World Sales and Auction Prices

The 1992 Close AM cent is not only rare but also very valuable.

Over the years, both Philadelphia and Denver examples have appeared in major auctions, often selling for thousands of dollars depending on condition and color (Brown, Red-Brown, or full Red).

Here are some notable sales:

• A 1992 Close AM (Philadelphia) graded MS67RD sold for $25,850.
• A 1992-D Close AM graded MS65RD sold for $14,100.
• Even a mid-grade 1992 Close AM in MS63RB has fetched over $5,000.

Collectors are willing to pay top dollar, especially for red mint state examples with strong eye appeal.

Quick Reference

Variety	Key Diagnostics	Notable Auction Price	Notes
1992 Close AM (Philadelphia)	A and M nearly touch; FG set back	$25,850 (MS67RD)	Scarcer than the Denver issue, extremely rare in high grades
1992-D Close AM (Denver)	Same as above	$14,100 (MS65RD)	Found slightly more often, still worth thousands in Mint State

Tips For Collectors

• Search by Date First: Pull every 1992 and 1992-D cent you see before checking diagnostics.
• Don’t Rely on AM Gap Alone: Sometimes die wear makes Wide AM cents look close. Always confirm with the FG placement.
• Certification Matters: For serious value, submit your coin to grading services like PCGS or NGC and request the Close AM attribution (FS-901).

Why These Coins Are Valuable

The 1992 Close AM is a true transitional variety, meaning it bridges two design eras.

Because only a handful slipped into circulation, demand from both Lincoln cent collectors and variety specialists keeps prices high.

Coins in top Mint State grades can fetch five-figure sums, making this one of the most profitable modern U.S. coin finds.

The 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent is a perfect example of how a small design change can lead to big rewards.

With careful searching, knowledge of diagnostics, and a sharp eye, collectors still have a chance to pull these valuable coins from circulation or bulk rolls.

Whether Philadelphia or Denver, owning a genuine Close AM puts you in possession of one of the most sought-after modern Lincoln cent varieties, with auction prices proving their long-term desirability.

FAQs