Lincoln Cent Wide AM versus Close AM Comparison Charts

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Below you will see the difference between Lincoln cent close and wide AMs. Also you will see a chart showing what is normal and which ones are more valuable.

This refers to the distance between the A and the M in AMERICA. The Wide AM is normal spacing, the M is centered between the A and E. The Close AM the A and the M are almost touching and the M is not centered. I strongly suggest you check all the markers because die polishing can make it hard sometimes.

Closeups of Close AM (Left) and Wide AM (Right)

Image Courtesy of PCGS

On Close AM cents the initials are farther away from the memorial than on the Wide AM cents. Also, there is a horizontal serif on the end of the straight vertical part of the G on the Wide AM cents.

Closeups of far FG (Close AM) and near FG (Wide AM)

Image Courtesy of PCGS

On Close AM cents the A in STATES is closer to the second T. The Wide AM the A is centered between the Ts.

Closeups of A in states, closer to second T is a Close AM,
equal distance between the Ts ia a Wide AM

Image Courtesy of PCGS

Year	Normal PDS			Variety PDS
1959 - 1991	WAM	WAM	WAM
1992	WAM	WAM	WAM	CAM	CAM
1993	CAM	CAM	CAM
1994	CAM	CAM	WAM
1995	CAM	CAM	WAM
1996	CAM	CAM	WAM
1997	CAM	CAM	WAM
1998	CAM	CAM	WAM	WAM		CAM
1999	CAM	CAM	WAM	WAM		CAM
2000	CAM	CAM	WAM	WAM
2001	CAM	CAM	WAM
2002	CAM	CAM	WAM
2003	CAM	CAM	WAM
2004	CAM	CAM	WAM
2005	CAM	CAM	WAM
2006	CAM	CAM	WAM
2007	CAM	CAM	WAM
2008	CAM	CAM	WAM