Although I handle a lot of Lincoln cents I have yet to wrap my head around the Wide vs Close AM cents, which were biz strikes, which were proofs, which are rare, what changed when, etc. :headbang: Can anyone break this down in an organized way for me--maybe a little 4x2 table? Thanks for any help ... Best Regards, VDB Coins
The AM was wide until 1993 when it became close. SO, you are looking for CLAM (close AM) for 1992 WAM (Wide AM) for 98, 99, 00 (or any other year) The 92 CLAM holds the most value, followed by the 99 WAM then the other two are non nearly as rare. Hope that helps.
In 1992 the mints started using a new varirty of reverse on the cent but through 1998 some of the old reverse were used. Here is a list of WAM and CAM that can be found. 1. 1992 Close AM - extremely rare 2. 1998 S Close AM 3. 1992 D Close AM 4. 1999 S Close AM 5. 1999 Wide AM 6. 1998 Wide AM 7. 2000 Wide AM - least rare Now there is also a 1996 WAM that has been reported but I have not seen it. Their are two good ways to distinguish the Wide AM reverse from the Close AM reverse: 1) Obviously, if there is a space between the A and M in AMERICA you are looking at a "Wide AM". If it appears the A and M are practically touching, you are looking at a "Close AM" 2) The Initials FG on the reverse are further from the memorial than on the "Close AM" reverse. I hope this helps. You can also go here: http://www.lincolncentresource.com/wideams.html
