At first glance, a 1997 Lincoln cent might seem like just another ordinary penny. With billions minted and billions more still in circulation, it’s one of the most common coins in the U.S. But for sharp-eyed collectors, there’s a tiny detail on the reverse of a select few 1997 pennies that changes everything — and it took years for the numismatic world to confirm its importance. This particular variation, known as the 1997 “Wide AM” penny, was not supposed to exist in circulation. Yet somehow, a few escaped the U.S. Mint and made their way into pockets, piggy banks, and change jars across the country. Today, this error is one of the most sought-after modern varieties — and depending on condition, it can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Let’s explore how this tiny design difference created one of the biggest penny surprises of the late 20th century.
Coin Name & Profile: 1997 Lincoln Memorial Cent (Wide AM Variety)
- Obverse Design: Abraham Lincoln by Victor D. Brenner
- Reverse Design: Lincoln Memorial by Frank Gasparro
- Metal Composition: 97.5% zinc core, 2.5% copper plating
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Mint Mark: “D” for Denver, no mint mark for Philadelphia
- Minted: Over 4.6 billion (Philadelphia); 4.5 billion (Denver)
- Error Variety: 1997 Wide AM (Philadelphia-minted only)
What Is the “Wide AM” Error?
On standard business-strike Lincoln cents from 1993 to 2008, the letters “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” on the reverse are supposed to touch or nearly touch. But on a proof reverse design, those letters are clearly spaced apart — hence the term “Wide AM.” The 1997 Wide AM was a minting mix-up where the reverse die intended for a proof coin (used in collector sets) was accidentally used on regular circulation coins at the Philadelphia Mint. It took years before collectors identified and confirmed this anomaly. Until then, 1997 pennies were largely ignored.
Why It Took So Long to Confirm
Unlike dramatic double-die errors or missing mint marks, the Wide AM variation is subtle — easy to overlook unless you’re specifically looking for it. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that numismatists started identifying and verifying examples of 1997 Wide AM cents in circulation. Because this error wasn’t documented or publicized at the time of minting, very few people were aware of it. That has made surviving examples in great condition extremely rare — and very valuable.
The 1997 Wide AM penny is a great example of how even tiny design differences can dramatically affect a coin’s value. Found only among Philadelphia-minted coins, and known to exist in extremely limited quantities, it’s become a key target for modern coin hunters.
If you have a pile of old pennies from the 1990s, now’s the time to look closer. You might discover one of the rarest Lincoln Memorial cents ever to slip past mint officials — and it could turn your spare change into a small fortune.
FAQ’s:
1. What’s the difference between a Wide AM and a regular 1997 penny?
It all comes down to the spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse. On a normal penny, these letters nearly touch. On a Wide AM, there’s a clear gap between them.
2. How rare is the 1997 Wide AM penny?
Extremely rare. While the exact number is unknown, only a handful have been confirmed. It’s much less common than the 1998 and 1999 Wide AM varieties, making it the most valuable of the three.
3. How much is a 1997 Wide AM penny worth?
Prices vary depending on condition:
Circulated examples: $250–$500
Uncirculated (MS60+): $1,000 or more
High-grade examples (MS65+): Can sell for $2,000+ at auction
4. How can I tell if I have one?
Use a magnifying glass to examine the word “AMERICA” on the back of a 1997 penny. If the A and M are widely spaced apart, you may have a Wide AM. Also, check that it’s from the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark).
