How to Find a 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent

The 1992 Close AM Lincoln cent is one of the rarest and most valuable errors in modern U.S. coinage. It exists because a reverse die style meant only for proof coins was mistakenly used to strike a small number of ordinary, circulation-strike 1992 cents at both the Philadelphia and Denver mints.

GetCoinHunt helps you search inventory from multiple coin dealers in one place, compare available examples, and create a wishlist alert when the right coin is not currently listed.

What makes the 1992 Close AM cent important to collectors?

Lincoln cent reverse dies changed style in the letters “AM” of AMERICA over the decades. From 1959 through 1992, business-strike (regular circulation) cents used a “Wide AM” reverse, with a visible gap between the bottom of the “A” and the left leg of the “M.” Around the same time, the Mint began using a “Close AM” reverse—where those letters sit close enough together to nearly touch—on proof coins made for collectors.

On a small number of 1992 and 1992-D cents, a Close AM reverse die intended for proof production was used to strike ordinary business-strike coins instead. According to PCGS, the 1992 Philadelphia Close AM is extraordinarily rare, with only around 10 to 15 examples known, making it one of the great rarities of modern numismatics. The 1992-D Close AM is less extreme but still very scarce, with just over 100 examples discovered as of PCGS’s most recent reporting, most grading in the About Uncirculated range.

How to identify a 1992 Close AM cent

Check the spacing in AMERICA

Turn the coin over and look at “AMERICA” along the bottom of the reverse. On a normal 1992 business-strike cent, there’s a clear, visible gap between the bottom of the “A” and the left leg of the “M” in AMERICA. On a Close AM, those letters sit close enough to nearly or fully touch.

Confirm it’s a business strike, not a proof

This error is significant specifically because it appears on an ordinary circulation-strike coin. A 1992-S proof cent with a Close AM reverse is normal and not the error—proofs from that period are expected to show Close AM. The valuable coin is a 1992 (no mint mark) or 1992-D coin with a normal, non-proof surface and strike that nonetheless shows the Close AM spacing.

Get it certified

Given how few genuine examples exist, and the significant value involved, any candidate coin should be sent to PCGS or NGC for authentication rather than assumed genuine from a photograph alone.

Buying considerations

Certified versus raw coins

This is not a variety to buy raw at a meaningful premium. Given the extreme rarity of the Philadelphia issue in particular, only buy a certified example, verify the certification number on the grading service’s own website, and compare the holder’s photographs with the coin being offered.

Understanding grades and color designations

Certified examples carry a color designation alongside the numerical grade:

• BN — Brown: most of the original red color has changed to brown.
• RB — Red-Brown: a mixture of red and brown remains.
• RD — Red: most of the original mint-red color remains.

Prices vary enormously by mint and grade. PCGS auction records include a 1992-P Close AM in MS67 Red selling for more than $24,000, and a 1992-D Close AM in MS65 reaching over $14,000. Examples in lower, more typical circulated-to-About-Uncirculated grades—especially of the 1992-D, which is more available than the Philadelphia issue—can be considerably less expensive.

Suggested search terms and filters

Begin with a broad search: “1992 Close AM cent,” “1992-D Close AM penny,” or “1992 Close AM Lincoln cent.”

Then narrow by:

• Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark) versus Denver (“D”)—the Philadelphia issue is far rarer
• Grade: AU through Mint State
• Certification: PCGS, NGC, or “certified 1992 Close AM”

Availability and pricing notes

Genuine examples are seldom offered for sale, especially the Philadelphia issue. Listings and past auction results don’t guarantee future prices, so compare the specific mint, grade, and certification carefully before buying.

GetCoinHunt does not guarantee that every listing is authentic, accurately graded, or fairly priced. Authentication, grading, pricing, return policies, and fulfillment remain the responsibility of the dealer or marketplace offering the coin.

How the GetCoinHunt wishlist alert works

1. Search for the coin. Enter “1992 Close AM Lincoln cent” to search participating dealer inventory.
2. Review the available matches. Compare listings by mint, grade, certification, and asking price.
3. Add the search to your wishlist. Given how rarely genuine examples come to market, a wishlist alert is the most practical way to watch for one.
4. Get notified about new matches. GetCoinHunt sends an alert when new dealer inventory matches your wishlist.
5. Evaluate the coin before buying. Verify certification and photographs, and review the seller’s terms.

Frequently asked questions

What does “Close AM” mean?

It refers to the spacing between the “A” and “M” in AMERICA on the reverse. On a Close AM, those letters sit close enough together to nearly touch, unlike the wider gap on a normal business-strike cent from that era.

Why is a 1992 Close AM cent valuable if Close AM is normal on proofs?

Because this error appears on an ordinary business-strike coin, not a proof. A proof die style ended up being used to strike regular circulation coins by mistake, which is what makes genuine examples so rare.

Is the Philadelphia or Denver 1992 Close AM rarer?

The Philadelphia (no mint mark) issue is by far the rarer of the two, with only around 10 to 15 examples known, compared with just over 100 known examples from Denver.

How do I check the AM spacing myself?

Look at AMERICA on the reverse under magnification. A visible gap between the “A” and “M” is normal (Wide AM); letters that are close together or touching indicate a possible Close AM and warrant certification.

What if no suitable coin is currently available?

Add “1992 Close AM Lincoln cent” to your wishlist below. You’ll be notified when newly detected dealer inventory matches your search.

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