Lincoln Memorial Cent (Close AM Variety)
Country of Origin: United States
Year of Issue: 1992
Denomination: One Cent (1/100 USD)
Composition: Copper-plated zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
Brief Description
A small copper-colored coin featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse, showing colorful iridescent toning.
Historical Significance
The Lincoln Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 to mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The 1992 'Close AM' variety is a major numismatic rarity resulting from the accidental use of a proof-style reverse die (designed for 1993) on business strike coins.
Estimated Value
$0.01 in circulation; $5,000-$25,000+ for the rare 'Close AM' variety in Mint State; $5-$10 for standard 1992 with attractive toning.
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish, as this removes the numismatic value and original surface lustre. Store in PVC-free flips or plastic capsules to prevent further oxidation and maintain the rainbow toning.
Mint Mark
No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Total mintage of 4,648,905,000; the 'Close AM' variety is extremely rare with only a few dozen known examples.
Weight & Diameter
2.5 grams, 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Mint State (Uncirculated) with vibrant rainbow toning.
Obverse (Front)
Profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1992'.
Reverse (Back)
Lincoln Memorial building designed by Frank Gasparro. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'ONE CENT', and designer initials 'FG'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
The key factor for this specific year is the spacing between the 'A' and 'M' in AMERICA. Most 1992 cents have 'Wide AM' (spaced apart); the 'Close AM' variety where the letters nearly touch is highly valuable.
Similar Coins
1992-D (Denver) also has a rare 'Close AM' version. Many beginners confuse the standard 1993 (where 'Close AM' is normal) with the rare 1992 versions.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Use a 10x loupe to check the base of the letters 'A' and 'M' in AMERICA. On the rare variety, they are almost touching. In the common variety, there is a clear gap. Verify the initials 'FG' are closer to the memorial on the variety.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1992 'Close AM' and 1992-D 'Close AM' are the most significant. Also look for Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) or Re-punched Mint Marks (RPMs) on 'D' mintages.
Created At: 2026-05-16T21:40:24.330219