Obverse

Reverse

One Cent (1/100 USD)

Lincoln Memorial Cent (Close AM Variety)

United States · 1992

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.

Country: United States
Year: 1992
Denomination: One Cent (1/100 USD)
Metal: Copper-plated zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
Grade: Mint State (Uncirculated) with vibrant rainbow toning.

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

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Overview

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.

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'.

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.

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.

Grade assessment

Mint State (Uncirculated) with vibrant rainbow toning.

Mintage & rarity

Total mintage of 4,648,905,000; the 'Close AM' variety is extremely rare with only a few dozen known examples.

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.

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.

Care & preservation

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.

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