1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny Value and What It Could Mean for Your Collection
The 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny is one of the most exciting modern error coins out there, worth anywhere from $5 in circulated condition to well over $100 or even $300+ in uncirculated mint state grades. If you just found one in your change jar, you might be sitting on a real hidden gem.
What Is the 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny?
Before you can appreciate why this coin is so valuable, it helps to understand what makes it different from every other 1998 penny. The “Wide AM” refers to the spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” on the reverse side of the coin. On most business-strike Lincoln cents of this era, those two letters sit close together — that’s the “Close AM” variety. But on the Wide AM version, there’s a noticeable gap between them.
Here’s the interesting part: the Wide AM design was actually intended for use on proof coins, which are specially made for collectors. Somehow, a proof reverse die ended up being used on regular circulation coins in 1998. That mistake — however it happened — created a rare and collectible variety that most people never even knew existed.
If you want to quickly identify whether your coin is the Wide AM or Close AM variety, a free coin identifier app can be a huge help. Tools like CoinKnow let you scan your coin and instantly check which variety you have, saving you time and guesswork.
How to Identify the 1998 Wide AM Penny
Identifying the 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny is straightforward once you know what to look for. Grab a magnifying glass or loupe and flip your coin to the reverse side. Look at the bottom of the coin where it says “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Focus on the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.”
On a Wide AM penny, the two letters do not touch and have visible space between them. On the more common Close AM version, the bases of those letters nearly touch or are extremely close together. It’s a subtle difference, but it’s the key to everything.
Also check the initials “FG” (for designer Frank Gasparro) near the bottom right of the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. On Wide AM coins, these initials sit slightly farther from the building than on Close AM versions. Combined, these two details confirm you have the valuable variety.
Once you think you’ve found one, CoinKnow is a great next step — the app helps you compare your coin against known examples of both varieties so you can feel confident in your identification before sending it off for grading.
1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny Value by Grade
The condition of your 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny has an enormous impact on what it’s worth. Coins that have been circulated show wear on Lincoln’s cheek, hair, and the high points of the reverse. Uncirculated coins that never entered everyday use can command dramatically higher prices.
Here’s a general value breakdown based on condition:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Fine (F-12) – Circulated | $5 – $15 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $15 – $30 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | $30 – $60 |
| MS-63 Red (Uncirculated) | $75 – $150 |
| MS-65 Red (Gem Uncirculated) | $150 – $300+ |
For the most up-to-date 1998 Lincoln Penny price data across mint state grades, it’s always a good idea to check a reliable pricing resource before buying or selling.
Should You Get It Graded?
If you believe you have a 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny in uncirculated or near-uncirculated condition, professional grading is worth serious consideration. Third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC will authenticate and grade your coin, then seal it in a tamper-proof holder. A certified coin is far easier to sell and typically brings higher prices at auction or from dealers.
For circulated examples worth under $20, grading fees may not make financial sense. But for coins that appear to be MS-63 or better, certification can more than pay for itself. You can find detailed 1998 penny value information by grade and variety to help you decide whether submitting for professional grading makes sense for your specific coin.
Before you go that route, do your homework using CoinKnow to get a solid sense of your coin’s grade and variety. Walking into the grading process informed saves time and money.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1998 penny is the Wide AM variety?
A: Look at the reverse of the coin and focus on the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” On the Wide AM variety, there is a clear gap between the two letters. On the more common Close AM version, those letters nearly touch at their bases. A magnifying glass makes this much easier to see.
Q: Are all 1998 Wide AM pennies valuable?
A: They are significantly more valuable than regular 1998 pennies, but condition matters a lot. A heavily worn 1998 Wide AM penny might bring $5–$15, while a gem uncirculated example can sell for $300 or more. The better the condition, the higher the value.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny?
A: Options include eBay, coin shows, local coin dealers, and major auction houses for higher-grade examples. Always get your coin authenticated and graded before selling if it appears to be in uncirculated condition — certified coins consistently sell for more than raw (ungraded) ones.
