1989 Penny With 1988 RDV-005 Reverse

I am not sure which images are from your actual coin but look for the serif on the G. It is the extra metal that points back and the bold FG you want to look for is also closer to the base of the monument. But it is on the 1988 not 1989 cent. See this thread as we just discussed this recently and I included photos:
http://goccf.com/t/437728#3766859

PCGS recognizes that variety as the "1988 Wide AM FS-901" which has a different alternate reverse (from 1989) on both the Philadelphia and Denver mints than the standard 1988 reverse in the variety version so there are several differences on the reverse to look for but typically identified easier from the FG initials on the reverse. You can take a look at the census for each coin on PCGS and NGC to see how many have been graded overall but the Philadelphia issues are considered scarce while the Denver issues are considered rare https://www.error-ref.com/transitio...rse-of-1989/

Questionable color unfortunately means that they cannot determine the color to be authentic which reduces its potential value. To get the variety on the label you have to pay $20 extra for the variety attribution which may not be worth it on that coin normally https://www.pcgs.com/servicesandfees

Hi Makecents, Let me clarify. Some coin experts believe that a 1989 with the weak FG initials with no serif on the G pointing to the left (comparable to a 1988 reverse) exists.So looking at the two photos I posted you would be looking for the one that says reverse of 1988' on a 1989. However due to the skeptic concerns this variety currently has a value that is far less than the 1988 with reverse of 1989. On page 103 of strike it rich, ken potter gives it a value over face but circulated around $1-2, and uncirculated at $2.50-3, while a 1988 with reverse of 1989 uncirculated is listed as $125-200. Hope that helps clear up my answer and at this time its not considered a big variety to find value wise like the 88 reverse of 89.




Here is what I posted before, thanks for the added info on the AM thickness. I just personally use the FG as its easier to spot for most I think using that. Near the end of 1988, there were several dies used to strike the reverse that were actually intended to be for the next year's run, 1989. These have become quite collectible and sought after. 1988 used the RDV-005 reverse design, but there were 7 dies that were RDV-006 and were used for 1988. There is a slight difference in the designers' initials. The RDV-005 is weaker, thinner. The 1989 reverse has enhanced initials with a bolder look. The G is also quite different with a flared look to it as mentioned before. The bold FG has a serif on the G. .It is the extra metal that points back and the bold FG is also closer to the base of the monument.

The Cherrypicker's guide lists this coin in with the Wide AM varieties. Yes, this causes confusion to the newer collectors. The thing is, ALL 1988 cents were Wide AM actually. The reason it is listed there is because of the reverse of 1989 variety - in 1988 rare alternate reverses from both the Philadelphia and Denver mints were produced where the A and the M were Wide as normal but the FG initials were close to the memorial rather than far as they should be for that year. These are 1988 coins with the transitional year reverse of 1989. This variety has sometimes been unfortunately called the 1988 Wide AM even though a Wide AM is normal for that year.

Again same photos I prefer to use:

It so is not but if we did not disagree occasionally, it would be boring. I will be taking a break again, as I am tired of being tired. Too much jibberish of what we already know and not enough listening. Love ya all!

All 1989 LMC should have the revised "flared FG", RDV-006. I have personally found a 1988 D with an RDV-006 reverse. I don't understand why it would be unreasonable for the opposite transitional error to occur, 1989 with RDV-005 reverse . It blows my mind that some of you are having trouble with the concept. PCGS says the coin is legit, why argue?
The coin is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay. If more are found and the variety becomes popular it could command a premium.

There is a separate fee to pay. To get the variety on the label you have to pay $20 extra for the variety attribution which may not be worth it on that coin normally https://www.pcgs.com/servicesandfees because the value as I mentioned is far less.



I just explained:
Some coin experts believe that a 1989 with the weak FG initials with no serif on the G pointing to the left (comparable to a 1988 reverse) exists.So looking at the two photos I posted you would be looking for the one that says reverse of 1988' on a 1989. However due to the skeptic concerns this variety currently has a value that is far, far less than the 1988 with reverse of 1989. On page 103 of strike it rich, ken potter gives it a value over face but circulated around $1-2, and uncirculated at $2.50-3, while a 1988 with reverse of 1989 uncirculated is listed as $125-200. Hope that helps clear up my answer and at this time its not considered a big variety to find value wise like the 88 reverse of 89.

Yes values can go much higher than a guide like that when in top condition as those prices are for typical pocket change grades, but also can vary due to market supply and demand over time yes. Its a good starting point as any guide to give you a first idea of what something might be worth.