Posted by What began as a routine car clean-up turned into a life-changing moment when a woman stumbled upon an old penny tucked inside her vehicle’s ashtray.
The coin, dull and forgotten, turned out to be an extremely rare 1992 Lincoln penny—now appraised at more than $25,000. This lucky find serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, everyday objects hold hidden treasures.
Why This Penny Is Worth a Fortune
The penny found in the ashtray was a 1992 “Close AM” Lincoln cent, a rare variety that was never meant to be released into regular circulation. During the production of Lincoln cents in 1992, two types of reverse designs were used: Wide AM (the standard) and Close AM, a design intended only for proof coins.
However, due to a minting error, a few Close AM coins were released into circulation. These rare coins have become highly desirable among collectors for their scarcity and accidental production.
Key Features of the 1992 “Close AM” Penny
To help you identify whether you might have one of these valuable coins, here are its distinguishing features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1992 |
| Mint Mark | Most commonly “D” for Denver |
| Reverse Design | “Close AM” – The letters A and M in “AMERICA” are nearly touching |
| Rarity | Fewer than 20 known in top condition |
| Estimated Value | Up to $25,000+ in uncirculated condition |
This particular penny found in the car ashtray was in mint state, which significantly boosted its valuation during appraisal.
Read More: This 1913 Nickel Just Shattered Records At Auction – You Won’t Believe The Price!
How to Check If You Have a Rare 1992 Penny
You might be holding a small fortune without even realizing it. Here’s how to check:
- Flip the Coin: Look at the reverse side (the tail side).
- Check “AMERICA”: Look closely at the spacing between the letters A and M in the word “AMERICA.”
- Look for a Close AM: If the letters nearly touch, you may have a Close AM variety.
- Confirm the Date: It must be from the year 1992.
- Get It Verified: If you suspect it’s rare, have it graded by a professional numismatic service.
How Much Could It Be Worth?
The value depends on the coin’s condition and clarity. Here’s a general idea of what it could fetch:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Visible Wear) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Lightly Circulated | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $20,000 – $25,000+ |
Coins in mint or near-mint condition are rare and command the highest prices in the market.
The story of the $25,000 penny found in a car ashtray is not just astonishing—it’s a reminder that value can hide in plain sight. Whether you’re a coin collector or just someone with a jar full of change, take a closer look.
That humble penny could be your ticket to a windfall. Keep an eye out for rare dates, mint marks, and design anomalies—they could be worth thousands!
FAQs
Is the 1992 Close AM penny still in circulation?
A few may still exist in circulation, but they are extremely rare. Most are found in old collections or coin jars.
What should I do if I find a 1992 penny with a Close AM?
Keep it safe and get it authenticated by a reputable coin grading service for proper valuation.
Are there other rare Lincoln cents like this?
Yes. Other key varieties include the 1999 Wide AM, 1998 Wide AM, and the 1955 Doubled Die.