You might need to dig through that jar of change, root around in that kitchen trash drawer, or sift through the inherited collection of coins from that aunt or uncle. Why? Because a simple-looking 1992 penny could be worth over $25,000, due to a minor mistake called the “Close AM error.”
A 1-cent coin you’ve likely seen a hundred times is worth a fortune if you can spot this rare minting error.
What in the world is the “close AM” error?
Here’s the trick. On the back of every U.S. penny, you can find the word “AMERICA.” Now, normally in a 1992 penny, the A and M in the word are nicely spaced apart.
But one unique minting of the 1992 coins, which were produced in Philadelphia and Denver, has the A and M nearly touching, so close they look like they’re holding hands. This was not intended. It was a die error at the U.S. Mint that resulted in these special error coins.
Collectors will freak over errors such as this one, especially when they are subtle and rare. So this “Close AM” feature is what renders an otherwise dull copper coin highly valuable.
How much will a close AM penny cost?
This is the exciting part.
One of these rare pennies sold for $25,850 back in 2017. It was graded MS-67 Red—practically perfect.
Another example sold for $20,000 in 2012.
Even if it’s slightly worn or not necessarily reflective like a mirror, it can still bring over $2,000!
Don’t worry then if you don’t have one that is simply flawless-looking; the Close AM detail alone is the key to gold.
How can you tell if you have one?
Get out a magnifying glass and turn over any 1992 pennies you have. Gently look at the word “AMERICA.” If the A and the M are almost touching, you could be in possession of a jackpot.
If you think you’ve found one, don’t sell it yourself. Take it to a coin grading service like PCGS or NGC. They’ll authenticate the error and give it a grade—increasing its market value significantly.
Why are these coins so valuable?
Simple: error and scarcity. Over 4.6 billion pennies were made in 1992—but only a tiny handful have the Close AM flaw.
This sort of minting mistake was entirely accidental. A wrong die was used for the reverse. That’s why it’s so scarce—and why numismatists will pay a small fortune for it.
Last word: Don’t make a fortune by mistake
Don’t get rid of your pennies in a tip jar or Coinstar just yet—double-check them, especially the 1992 ones. That tiny difference could turn your life around forever.
Who knew that a single letter spacing error could be your key to a windfall? Go dig through your coins—you might already be richer than you know.
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