1988-D Cent With Several "issues" - Maybe A "Wide AM "?

Search CCF Members

There are currently 104,502 users on this website.

I came across this surprisingly well-preserved 1988-D penny. Closer up, I found a bunch of stuff that could be wrong (or right) with it, depending on how one looks at it.

Image 1: starting point

Image 2: The definition of a 1988-D "Wide AM" is really convoluted since the "AM" in this case is actually normal if it's "wide" - and if I understand correctly, the real difference on the coin is the distance of the sculptor's intitials from the momunment's base - which apparently is CLOSER to the base of the memorial. Does this qualify as a "Wide Am"? (Based on the shot I grabbed from the Lincolncentcollection website)?

AND... do these "carbon spots" completely devalue the coin if it were a "Wide AM"(which in '88 is really a "close initials")?

Images 3&4: I've got these odd rim distortions that seem to follow around the "In God We Trust".

Image 5: Ridge under the "TES" and "o", but not a gouge since there's no "hit" across the letters, and the near obliteration of the "E" and "S" in states (grease filled die?)

And lastly, Image 6: Lit from 2 directions to best show how wavy the back of this coin is. Is this ghosting from a die clash, or just overzealous machinery at the mint that was "set to 11" ;)

I've already been told that the coin shows some "plating blisters" which apparently were common for the 1988-D's.

I know there's a lot going on with this one and I appreciate anyone educating me and shedding a little light. Thanks!

By looking at the font it appears to be a normal 1988 D cent. Just to make absolutely sure I would like to see a closeup of the FG at the bottom right of the memorial.

I see a lot of Die Deterioration going on here.

Agree, evident Die Deterioration, zinc dust plating just waiting to erupt, ED on reverse - just a spender.

to the CCF!

I think you may be getting the 1998 WAM mixed up with a non-existent 1988 WAM. All 1988 Cents are Wide AM's.

Note the black bars on the right side of the initials. That is what you are looking for. The upper part of the 'G' is what you need to be looking at. Also the REV-005 dies design on the AME are different than the RDV-006:

The EDV-006 has wider devices on that area. On the RDV-005, the AM is rounded, where as the 006 is flat and wider.

Thanks everybody. A valuable coin would be great, but the education is pretty great too. Here is the best I squeeze on the closeup of the initials.

Yeah, that is the normal one. Take a screenshot and save the information for your personal use. That way you can save yourself a lot of time searching for it later on.

Thanks so much. I guess there goes my early retirement

But seriously, thanks to all for the help!

Actually, I do have one more question! The penny is in really nice condition and does have ridge ring and plating blisters issues - if it din't have those "Carbon spots", would this be considered mildly interesting to collectors?

Your last set of pictures are showing "indirect design transfer". For your last question, IMO even without carbon spots that cent would be a best just a "hole filler" in someones folder...Most collectors look for EDS (early die state) coins for grading or adding to their collections.
Great photos by the way...and well explained questions...

to CCF good luck on future finds,have fun...

This is a Zincoln, carbon spots are found on copper coins. If you are seeing split plating issues, the clock has all ready started to count down. But even looking nice, is not a plus for this coin with all the plating over the zinc dust, would take it out of the running. Best to spend it and let it do the work it was created to do. Find a better example, then in 10 years you will be happier with the next coin. Check at a local coin shop. Are real nice coin could probably only cost you a quarter. (Picked up a few that were real nice for that price range.

Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2021 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited.
Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use

1988-D Cent With Several "Issues" - Maybe A "Wide AM "?