OK, here's another toll road find from today (08/14/2011) - a 1998 WAM Lincoln cent. (Accepted as part of a toll payment paid entirely with a total of 75 Lincoln cents) It was the first coin I picked up to count and I was hoping there would be more and in better condition than this one however, there were no others. So my question is: Even in this condition, is this PROOF strike reverse cent worth anything more than 1¢ - my investment? I know they are more plentiful than the 1999 cents. I was told the 2000 cents were more plentiful than the other two. Thanks for your input. The scans are @ 500% magnification using a HP 7410 multifunction.
I'd hold onto 'em. Pretty tough to find WAM's. Also, minor correction, it's not a proof reverse strike, it's a die that was intended to be used to strike the reverse of proofs. It received none of the polishing or acid etching that a proof die does.
I agree with Merc Crazy, hang on to it. I found one(1998 WAM) a few weeks ago and sold it on ebay and I regret it more and more everyday. They go for about $1-$3 each.
Wide "AM" as in "AM" in america. Notice in the picture that there is a space between the two. That is a characteristic of the proof dies. On a businees strike die you will have no seperation between A and M. So basically they accidentally used a proof reverse on a business strike cent. This occurs on 1996, 1998-2000. In fact I was given a '98 and '00 today from one of my friends that works as a cashier. I'll post pics in a few.
WAM = Wide AM - meaning the spacing between the A and M in AMERICA is wider than on a "business strike" coin. With the business trike, the A and M are almost - if not - touching. If you GOOGLE "WAM cent" you can find more information.
Yes, in hand, my great-grandfather has one. But you may be right maybe they are fake... And as for why none are certified I have no idea.
Alright, I was gonna say... I have two '99's, so yeah, I know those are real. So I stand by what I sad... the '96 is widely considered to be nonexistent.