I'm new to searching for these, but I'm pretty sure I finally came across a wide AM 1998 penny. Please give me a second opinion here and let me know if I'm right.
Welcome to CT Kevin!! Your coin is a CAM. Notice how the left leg of the M in looks thinner than the right? This is due to die wear or a little grease left in that leg on the die. If the leg was normal size it would almost be touching the A. Also The M would have to be more centered between the A and the E for it to be a WAM. Keep searching and you will find one eventually.
Here are some side by sides with one that I know is close AM. Also the FG seems farther away from the memorial to me.
Can I see a photo of the word States? There is a way to tell from this too and it is MUCH easier than looking at the FG imo.
Thanks for not only answering me very quickly but teaching me something in the process. I'll keep looking.
Here is another way you can tell. The photo above is the word States on both a 2000P WAM and a 2000P CAM from my collection. Notice how on the CAM the A in States is closer the the T to its right? On a WAM, as you can see. the A is centered between the Ts. I am not sure why the websites don't mention this, but it is what I use as a secondary marker instead of the FG. You can look for this marker on all 1998-2000P WAMS
Ok, I see the difference there. Thank you so much. I love learning new things about coins, and I have much to learn.
You very welcome glad I could help. Again welcome to CT. Feel free to post any coins you have questions about. There are lots of knowledgeable members here and most of them are more than willing to lend a hand. See you on the forum
Yes I will. I love the fact that most of what I see here isn't just an answer to whether it is or isn't something. I see a lot of experienced people teaching people to fish rather than just throwing them a fish. About 50 coins later I found a second one that I thought was a WAM but thanks to you I could look at the other identifiers and tell that it actually wasn't. Now I don't have to waste my time again and again asking is this one? is this one? lol
And you're right, looking at the TAT does seem much easier. I think it's actually easier than looking at the AM. Maybe they should be called CAT and WAT.