Found A Wide AM 1983 Penny. But It's Not Supposed To Exist?

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Author	Replies: 9 / Views: 719
A1agrl Valued Member United States 170 Posts	Posted 11/28/2025 3:43 pm I am puzzled by a 1983 Penny, which appears to have a Wide AM on the reverse. I found this strange, since all 1983 pennies are supposed to have a Narrow or Close AM. Please, in your opinion, does the attached image depict a WAM or CAM? Thanks Report this Post to the Staff

FsdWarp10 Pillar of the Community United States 673 Posts	Posted 11/28/2025 3:52 pm I could be that the Machine Doubling is making it look like a Wide AM when it is really a Close AM. You can see the flat shelf on the left side of the M that has reduced the thickness of the M. This makes it look farther away from the A. You can also check and see if the rest of the reverse is consistent with a wide or Close AM. Look at the designers initials etc... I took for granted it was as presented. My bad. The explanations below answer the question. Thanks, Edited by FsdWarp10 11/28/2025 3:59 pm Report this Post to the Staff
snailking1 Pillar of the Community United States 1235 Posts	Posted 11/28/2025 3:55 pm I believe you have it backwards. The Close AM was officially introduced in 1993, though there are some rare 1992 Close AM's Report this Post to the Staff
J-Tal Valued Member United States 114 Posts	Posted 11/28/2025 3:55 pm they switched from Wide AM to close in 93 This coin is pre 93 so it is supposed to be wide Report this Post to the Staff
A1agrl Valued Member United States 170 Posts	Posted 11/28/2025 4:09 pm Thanks... I think you're all correct. I used ChatGP for my initial search and it gave me a totally opposite answer. Quote..."A 1983 Lincoln Cent has the Narrow (close) AM variety. There is no Wide AM variety for that year." So much for trusting AI Report this Post to the Staff
Errers and Varietys Bedrock of the Community United States 73628 Posts	Posted 11/28/2025 4:10 pm Your coin is normal. Errers and Varietys. Report this Post to the Staff
snailking1 Pillar of the Community United States 1235 Posts	Posted 11/28/2025 4:16 pm Quote: I used ChatGP for my initial search You just learned - NEVER use that for coins! It will just spit out incorrect crap using your question as it's basis of "information" Report this Post to the Staff
J-Tal Valued Member United States 114 Posts	Posted 11/28/2025 4:57 pm I just asked Google "is a Wide AM 1983 Lincoln Cent rare" it's AI answer Quote: Yes, a 1983 Lincoln Cent with the " Wide AM" (Wide "In God We Trust") reverse is rare, especially the no-mint-mark Philadelphia version, and is considered a significant error. While regular 1983 pennies are common, the Wide AM variety is scarce and valuable to collectors, with the potential for high prices depending on its condition and specific error type. We are all doomed Report this Post to the Staff
-makecents- Pillar of the Community United States 8726 Posts	Posted 11/28/2025 5:23 pm A1agrl, here are a few very trusted sites with professionals we all trust. Pay no attention to the chatbots, AI's and google answers, go to the source. Lincoln Cent Forum http://www.lincolncentforum.com/forum/forum.php? VV http://www.varietyvista.com/ cc https://coppercoins.com/ Wexler https://doubleddie.com/ Brian's Variety Coins https://www2.briansvarietycoins.com/ Error-Ref https://www.error-ref.com/ Cuds on Coins http://cuds-on-coins.com/ Mad Die Clashes https://www.maddieclashes.com/ Trail Dies https://www.traildies.com/ Lincoln Cent Resource http://www.lincolncentresource.com/ -makecents- Report this Post to the Staff
Dearborn Moderator United States 94728 Posts	Posted 11/28/2025 5:56 pm When presenting Lincoln Cent coins suspected of being a Close AM or Wide AM, it is important to also look at the 'FG' initials On a Close AM, the initials will be far from the Memorial, and on a Wide AM, they will be close. Also, look at the word 'States' In a Close AM, the 'A' between the 2 'T's will be closer to the right (second T), and with a Wide AM, the 'A' will be centered. Collecting since 1972. Learning from then on "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin 7070 type set coin count: 51/76 Uncirculated American Silver Eagles My American Silver Eagle Proof Collection Sacagawea Dollars Innovation Dollars Eisenhower-Dollars Kennedy-Half Dollars Washington-Quarters Roosevelt-Dimes Buffalo-Nickels 1938-2005 Jefferson-Nickels Lincoln-Cents Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 9 / Views: 719

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