1998 Lincoln Cent Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
Is your 1998 penny worth more than face value? The Wide AM (FS-901) is worth $10–$940 and the 1998-S Close AM Proof up to $4,400. Free diagnostic guide with images.
Most 1998 pennies are worth $0.01, but the Wide AM variety on Philadelphia coins is worth $10–$275 raw and up to ~$940 certified — while the ultra-rare 1998-S Close AM Proof has sold for over $4,400.
- 🔍 Top check: Flip to the reverse — a visible gap between the “A” and “M” in AMERICA on a Philadelphia cent means you may have the Wide AM variety.
- 💎 Proof owners: If your 1998-S Proof has AM touching, that is the rare Close AM error worth $175–$4,400.
- 📏 Tools required: A 10× loupe is mandatory — this diagnostic cannot be made reliably with the naked eye.
⚠️ Common traps: Plating blisters, machine doubling, and the “Phantom D” mimic errors but are worth face value only. See Common Traps before getting excited.
1998 Lincoln Cent Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of 2026-01.
Error coin values vary significantly based on grade, eye appeal, and current market conditions.
Professional authentication (PCGS/NGC) is recommended for all suspected Wide AM and Close AM varieties.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like) is NOT a doubled die and has no numismatic premium.
Plating blisters and split plating on zinc cents are common manufacturing defects, not valuable errors.
Repunched Mintmarks (RPMs) are impossible for 1998 — the mintmark was part of the Master Die by this date.
The 'Phantom D' on Philadelphia coins is a known die state with no significant value.
In 1998, the U.S. Mint struck over 10 billion Lincoln cents between Philadelphia and Denver — nearly all worth exactly one penny today. But two accidental die mix-ups at the Mint created varieties that collectors now pay serious money to find: the Wide AM business strike and the 1998-S Close AM Proof, both born when proof-style and business-strike reverse dies were swapped in error. They are hiding in pocket change and old proof sets right now. This guide walks you through every diagnostic, value range, and pitfall in plain language. Standard 1998 Lincoln Cent values (no errors) →
1998 Lincoln Cent Specifications & Mintage
| Mint | Type | Mintage | Circulated Value | Mint State Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (no mint mark) | Business Strike | 5,032,155,000 | $0.01 | $0.25–$1.00 |
| Denver (D) | Business Strike | 5,225,353,500 | $0.01 | $0.25–$1.00 |
| San Francisco (S) | Proof Set Only | 2,086,507 | $2–$5 (impaired) | $5–$12 |
Technical Specifications
- Composition: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper plating
- Weight: 2.50g (±0.10g tolerance)
- Diameter: 19.05mm
- Edge: Plain (smooth)
- Obverse: Victor D. Brenner design
- Reverse: Frank Gasparro (FG initials)
⚠️ RPMs Are Impossible for 1998
By 1998 the mintmark was engraved directly on the Master Die — not hand-punched into individual working dies. This makes Repunched Mintmarks (RPMs) technically impossible for this date. Any apparent “doubled D” you see is split plating, machine doubling, or die deterioration — all worth face value only.
For standard collector values without errors, visit the complete 1998 Lincoln Cent value guide →
1998 Lincoln Cent Quick Error Checks
Work through all four checks before concluding anything. Checks 1 and 2 require a 10× loupe. Check 3 requires a digital scale accurate to 0.01g. Check 4 is a stop list — read it first.
Check 1 — Wide AM Reverse (FS-901): Philadelphia coins only
Reverse side — examine the letters A and M in the word AMERICA. Also check the FG initials (Frank Gasparro’s signature) at the lower-right corner of the Lincoln Memorial building.
A clear daylight gap between A and M is the primary signal. Confirm by checking the FG initials: on the Wide AM they sit closer to the Memorial building. The G in FG also has a straight (less flared) vertical stroke. Letters in AMERICA appear slightly thinner and more refined.
The standard coin has a Close AM — letters touching or nearly touching. This is normal for 99.9% of 1998 Philadelphia business strikes and carries no premium. FG initials farther from the Memorial = normal coin.
Check 2 — Close AM Proof Reverse (FS-901): 1998-S Proof coins only
On S-mint Proof coins only — mirror-like fields, frosted (frosty-looking) design elements, S mintmark below the date. Check the letters A and M in AMERICA on the reverse.
Letters A and M touching or nearly touching on a Proof coin is the error. Normal 1998-S Proofs have the Wide AM (gap). The FG initials will also be farther from the Memorial (business-strike die position) on the error coin.
Wide AM on a Proof is completely normal for 1998-S. Close AM on a business strike (P or D) is also normal with no premium. This error applies only to S-mint Proof coins. Confirm the coin has genuine mirror fields — not a cleaned business strike.
Check 3 — Wrong Planchet / Weight Check: All mints
Overall color and weight. A standard 1998 cent weighs exactly 2.50g (±0.10g tolerance) and shows the familiar copper color from its thin plating over a zinc core.
Significant deviations: a coin weighing ~3.1g may indicate a copper alloy planchet (extremely rare). An entirely silver-colored coin weighing ~2.4g may be an unplated zinc planchet error — genuine examples have a clean, bluish-gray lustrous surface.
A coin with chemically stripped copper plating (“science experiment” damage) appears dull, rough, and dark gray — not clean and lustrous. Normal weight tolerance is ±0.10g; minor scale variance is common.
Check 4 — Zincoln Traps: Read this BEFORE getting excited
Surfaces, fields, mintmark area, and date on any 1998 cent. These are the features that trigger false alarms most often.
Nothing valuable. All of the items below are manufacturing defects or die states — not mint errors. Clean, smooth fields with sharp design elements indicate a normal coin.
Plating Blisters: Raised bubble-like bumps from gas trapped beneath the copper plating during striking. Split Plating: Linear cracks revealing the gray zinc core. Linear Plating Streaks: Parallel lines from plating stretched during the strike. Phantom D: A faint ghost of a D mintmark on Philadelphia coins — a known die state from Master Die modification, not a valuable error. Die Deterioration Doubling: Fuzzy phantom halos around letters or the date on worn dies.
1998 Lincoln Cent Error Values: Complete Reference Table
All verified varieties and major mint errors for the 1998 Lincoln Cent. Linked variety names lead to full diagnostic guides below. Values are raw (ungraded) unless stated otherwise. Auction records as of January 2026.
| Error Type | Designation | Mint | Rarity | Value Range (Raw) | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wide AM | FS-901 | P | Scarce | $10–$40 (Circ) $65–$275 (MS) | $940 (MS67) |
| Close AM Proof | FS-901 | S | Rare | $175 (PF69) $4,400 (PF70 DCAM) | $4,400+ (PF70 DCAM) |
| Doubled Die Reverse | WDDR-001 | D | Uncommon | $5–$20 | $75 (certified) |
| Doubled Die Reverse | WDDR-002 | D | Uncommon | $5–$15 | $50 (certified) |
| Broadstrike | — | P / D | Uncommon | $15–$25 | $40–$60 (cert. MS64+) |
| Off-Center Strike | — | P / D | Variable | $10–$100+ | Varies by severity |
ℹ️ The Zinc Discount
Major mint errors on 1998 zinc cents command a lower premium than equivalent pre-1982 copper coins. Long-term stability concerns from the exposed zinc core suppress demand. Collectors strongly favor examples where the copper plating remains fully intact even in the distorted areas. Coins showing zinc rot or severe corrosion are considered damaged and sell at a steep discount.
1998 Lincoln Cent Jackpots: Rare Varieties Worth Real Money
1998 Wide AM (FS-901) — Philadelphia Business Strike
Normal Close AM (left, letters touching) vs. Wide AM variety (right, clear daylight gap between A and M).
Origin & Background
The Wide AM (FS-901) is the flagship variety of the 1998 cent. It occurred when the Mint accidentally used a Proof reverse hub — the Type 2 hub normally reserved for San Francisco proof coins — on dies destined for Philadelphia business strikes. The Proof hub features wider letter spacing and a slightly more refined typeface throughout AMERICA, which is exactly what you need to spot.
How to Identify
- A–M Spacing (Primary): A clear, visible daylight gap exists between the letters A and M in AMERICA. On normal business-strike coins, these letters touch.
- FG Initials (Confirmation): The designer’s initials appear closer to the Lincoln Memorial building than on a normal Close AM coin.
- G stroke: The G in FG has a straight vertical stroke on the Wide AM versus a more flared stroke on the normal Close AM.
- Lettering style: The full word AMERICA looks slightly thinner and more refined — a Proof-die typeface transferred to a business-strike coin.
Wide AM: FG initials sit closer to the Memorial (left). Normal Close AM: initials are farther from the building (right).
False Positives to Avoid
The standard 1998 Close AM (letters touching) is completely normal for business strikes. Plating disturbances, machine doubling, and die deterioration around the AM area do not create a true Wide AM gap. Always confirm with the FG initials position — if they sit far from the Memorial, you have a common coin regardless of AM appearance.
Market Values
- Circulated (G–EF): $10–$40
- MS-64 (certified): $65
- MS-65–MS-66 (certified): $100–$275
- MS-67 top-pop (certified): ~$940
Auction Record
~$940 for an MS-67 top-pop example. Typical uncirculated examples command significantly less. References: PCGS CoinFacts FS-901 RD — GreatCollections auction archive
1998-S Close AM Proof (FS-901) — San Francisco Proof
Standard 1998-S Proof showing the normal Wide AM gap (left) vs. the rare Close AM Proof error with AM touching (right).
Origin & Background
This is the inverse of the Wide AM business strike. Here, a business-strike reverse die (Close AM) was accidentally used to strike Proof coins at San Francisco. The standard 1998-S Proof should have the Wide AM (gap between letters). Finding a 1998-S Proof with AM touching means a wrong die entered the proof press — populations are far lower than the business-strike Wide AM, making this a genuine rarity.
How to Identify
- Verify it is a Proof first: Mirror-like (deeply reflective) fields, frosted design elements, S mintmark below the date.
- A–M Spacing (Primary): Letters A and M in AMERICA are touching or nearly touching on the error. Normal 1998-S Proofs have a clear gap.
- FG Initials: Initials appear farther from the Memorial (business-strike die position) on the error coin.
False Positives to Avoid
A polished or cleaned business strike can superficially mimic Proof mirror fields. Always confirm genuine Proof surfaces before assuming you have this variety. Close AM on any P- or D-mint business strike is completely normal. This error applies only to S-mint Proof coins.
Market Values & Auction Record
- PF-69 DCAM (certified): ~$175
- PF-70 DCAM (certified): ~$4,400
Deep Cameo (DCAM) means dramatic contrast between mirror fields and frosted devices. High-grade DCAM examples have realized over $4,000 at auction. References: PCGS CoinFacts 1998-S Close AM DCAM — NGC Coin Explorer
⚠️ Always Certify This One
Given values of $175–$4,400, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended for any suspected 1998-S Close AM Proof before buying or selling. The risk of counterfeit or altered coins at this price level is real. Do not sell raw.
1998-D Doubled Die Reverse (WDDR-001 & WDDR-002)
WDDR-001: a secondary tilted roof line visible at the top of the Lincoln Memorial (15× magnification).
Origin & Background
Two recognized Denver Mint doubled-die reverse varieties exist for 1998. WDDR-001 shows a tilted extra roof line on the top of the Lincoln Memorial. WDDR-002 shows minor doubling on the Memorial structure and reverse lettering. Both are recognized in Wexler’s die variety listings and CONECA but do not carry full Cherrypickers’ (FS) designations in all editions, which limits their market liquidity compared to the Wide AM.
How to Identify
- Use 10×–20× magnification — these are minor varieties not visible to the naked eye.
- WDDR-001: A tilted secondary roof line at the very top of the Lincoln Memorial building.
- WDDR-002: Minor secondary images on the Memorial structure and lettering.
- True doubled-die secondary images are raised and rounded with clean separation — not flat or shelf-like.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like, reduces device width) and Die Deterioration Doubling (phantom halos from worn dies) are both extremely common on 1998-D cents and carry no value. Compare against verified reference images at Wexler’s die variety reference before drawing conclusions.
1998 Broadstrike
Broadstrike: full design is present but the rim is flat or absent and the coin is wider than 19.05mm.
Origin & Background
A broadstrike occurs when a planchet (blank coin disc) escapes the collar die — the steel ring that normally constrains the coin and forms the rim during striking — and is struck without it. The result is a coin with the full design pressed in but no rim and an expanded diameter beyond 19.05mm.
How to Identify
- Design is complete, but the rim is missing or severely flattened.
- Coin diameter exceeds 19.05mm — measure with calipers.
- Weight should remain close to 2.50g.
False Positives to Avoid
A weak or soft rim from a worn die is not a broadstrike — the coin will be normal diameter. Coins crushed or deformed by dryers or washing machines are Post-Mint Damage (PMD) and have no numismatic value regardless of appearance.
Market Values
- Raw: $15–$25
- Certified MS-64+: $40–$60
1998 Off-Center Strike
Off-center strikes at roughly 20% (left) and 40% (right). The 1998 date must be visible to establish year and value.
Origin & Background
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is not properly centered under the dies at the moment of striking. Part of the design is pressed in while the rest remains blank, creating a crescent of unstruck metal. Value rises sharply with the percentage off-center — but only if the date is still visible.
How to Value by Severity
- 10%–20% off-center, date visible:$10–$15 raw.
- 30%–50% off-center, date visible:$20–$40 raw.
- Over 50% off-center or date missing:$5–$10 raw — cannot be certified as a 1998 cent.
- Certified MS-64+ with date visible: $40–$100+.
False Positives to Avoid
A Misaligned Die (MAD) shows the full design shifted within the rim — no blank crescent is present. Bent, crushed, or dryer-damaged coins are PMD with no numismatic value. Zinc rot or corrosion in the exposed blank crescent area reduces value significantly.
1998 Lincoln Cent Traps: Common False Alarms
These are the most common reasons people believe they have a valuable 1998 error — and are disappointed. The copper-plated zinc composition introduced in 1982 is notorious for manufacturing defects that mimic errors. Identify these before spending money on grading.
⚠️ Plating Blisters
Raised, bubble-like bumps on the coin’s surface — sometimes resembling extra dots, lumps, or die features. They appear anywhere on the obverse or reverse.
Gas becomes trapped between the zinc core and copper plating during the minting process and expands to create pressure bubbles that push through the surface.
- Blisters feel spongy or are irregular in shape — true die-created features are smooth and sharp-edged.
- They appear at random locations, not in specific design positions.
- This is a composition defect inherent to all copper-plated zinc cents, not a mint error.
Plating blister: a raised bubble from gas trapped beneath the copper layer — a manufacturing defect worth face value.
Value: Face value only.
⚠️ Machine Doubling (MD) — Not a Doubled Die
Flat, shelf-like doubling on letters, the date, or design elements. The doubled portion looks sliced or shaved to one side, often narrowing the original letter.
A mechanical bounce or chatter of the die during the strike displaces metal sideways. It is a press-mechanic issue — not a die preparation error and not collectible.
- The doubled image is flat and shelf-like and reduces the overall width of the letter or device.
- A true doubled die (like the WDDR-001) shows a clearly raised, three-dimensional secondary image with clean separation.
- Machine Doubling is pervasive on 1998 cents due to high-speed production.
Machine Doubling (flat shelf, left) vs. true Doubled Die (raised and rounded secondary image, right) — only the right is valuable.
Value: Face value only.
⚠️ Die Deterioration Doubling (DDD)
A fuzzy phantom halo or “ridge ring” surrounding the date, letters, or Lincoln’s portrait. Looks like doubling but lacks clean definition.
High-speed single-squeeze presses used in the late 1990s forced metal into worn die recesses in irregular ways, creating ghost outlines around design elements as the die aged.
- The halo is fuzzy and irregular — true doubled dies show sharp, clean secondary images with directional offset.
- DDD is a sign of a worn-out die, not a die preparation error.
- Very common on late-1990s cents due to extended die life at high mintage facilities.
Value: Face value only.
⚠️ The “Phantom D” — Philadelphia Coins Only
A faint ghost or shadow of a “D” mintmark visible below the date on a Philadelphia cent, which should have no mintmark at all.
The Mint modified the Master Hub by removing the D to create Philadelphia dies. Traces sometimes remained and were transferred as ghostly outlines to struck coins. It is a known die state, not a mint error.
- The “D” is faint, ghostly, and not fully formed — not raised and crisp like a proper mintmark.
- This is categorically not a Repunched Mintmark (RPM). RPMs are impossible for 1998 — the mintmark was part of the Master Die, never hand-punched.
- Reputable numismatic sources classify the Phantom D as a minor die state with no significant premium.
Phantom D: a ghostly impression of a D mintmark on a Philadelphia coin — a die state worth face value only.
Value: Face value only.
⚠️ Split Plating & Zinc Rot
Linear cracks or flaking copper near the rim, through the mintmark, or across the date. Advanced cases show dark green or gray corrosion eating into the coin — known as Zinc Rot.
Moisture penetrates cracks in the thin copper plating and attacks the zinc core chemically. Once started, this process can progress to structural coin failure.
- Linear cracks are environmental damage, not a mint error.
- Zinc rot renders even genuine error coins “damaged” in numismatic terms, with steep value discounts.
- Even a confirmed Wide AM coin with significant zinc corrosion is worth a fraction of a problem-free example.
Value: Face value only (damaged).
1998 Lincoln Cent Grading: How Condition Affects Value
Grade (condition) is the single biggest variable in 1998 cent variety values. The same Wide AM coin can be worth $10 in G-4 and ~$940 in MS-67 — a 94× difference. Here is how grade maps to value for the two key varieties.
| Grade | What It Means | Wide AM (FS-901) | 1998-S Close AM Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G–EF) | Visible wear on Lincoln’s cheekbone and jaw | $10–$40 | N/A |
| MS-64 | No wear, minor contact marks | $65 | N/A |
| MS-65–MS-66 | Gem uncirculated, few blemishes | $100–$275 | N/A |
| MS-67 | Superb gem, near-perfect surfaces | ~$940 | N/A |
| PF-69 DCAM | Near-perfect Proof, deep cameo contrast | N/A | ~$175 |
| PF-70 DCAM | Perfect Proof, maximum deep cameo | N/A | ~$4,400 |
💡 Grading Tip
For the Wide AM, only submit to PCGS or NGC if your coin is uncirculated with full Red color and plausibly grades MS-65 or better. Circulated Wide AMs ($10–$40 raw) often fall short of the $35+ grading fee plus shipping. The 1998-S Close AM Proof is worth certifying at any high grade given the values at stake. For the minor Denver DDRs (WDDR-001/002), consider certification only for MS-65+ examples where market liquidity matters.
1998 Lincoln Cent Authentication: When to Get Certified
Not every 1998 cent error warrants a grading fee. Here is a practical decision framework for when professional third-party grading (TPG) by PCGS or NGC makes financial sense.
| Variety | Condition | Submit? | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wide AM (FS-901) | Circulated | ❌ No | Raw value ($10–$40) is often less than grading cost ($35+ plus shipping) |
| Wide AM (FS-901) | Uncirculated, full Red | ✅ Yes | Certified MS-65+ starts at $100+; MS-67 reached ~$940 |
| 1998-S Close AM Proof | Any high Proof grade | ✅ Yes | Values of $175–$4,400; alteration and forgery risk is real |
| WDDR-001 / WDDR-002 | Any | ⚪ Maybe | Only if MS-65+ and market liquidity matters to you |
| Broadstrike / Off-Center | Uncirculated, intact plating | ⚪ Maybe | Only dramatic examples; zinc discount suppresses premiums |
ℹ️ PCGS vs. NGC
Both PCGS and NGC recognize the Wide AM FS-901 and the 1998-S Close AM designations on their population reports and holder labels. Either slab is accepted by major dealer networks. Economy or regular service tiers are fine for most 1998 varieties given the values involved — no need for expensive express service unless timing is critical.
For coin dealer referrals, the Lincoln Cent Resource community maintains active forums with specialist dealer contacts for Wide AM varieties.
1998 Lincoln Cent: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my 1998 penny has the Wide AM?
Use a 10× loupe and examine the letters A and M in the word AMERICA on the reverse. A clear, visible gap between them is the primary signal. Confirm by checking the FG initials (designer’s signature) near the Lincoln Memorial — on the Wide AM they sit closer to the building. On a normal coin the A and M touch and the FG initials sit farther from the Memorial.
Is the 1998-D (Denver) cent worth more than face value?
Most 1998-D cents are worth face value. Two minor doubled die reverse varieties exist (WDDR-001 and WDDR-002) worth $5–$75 depending on grade, but both require specialist verification. No Wide AM variety exists for Denver — the Wide AM is exclusively a Philadelphia (no-mintmark) variety.
My Philadelphia 1998 penny has a faint “D” under the date — is it valuable?
No. This is the “Phantom D” — a known die state with no significant numismatic value. The Mint removed the D from the Master Hub to create Philadelphia dies, and traces sometimes transferred ghostly impressions to coins. It is not a Repunched Mintmark (RPMs are impossible for 1998), not a mintmark error, and not collectible at a premium.
My 1998-S Proof has the AM letters touching — how much is it worth?
If verified, the 1998-S Close AM Proof is worth ~$175 at PF-69 DCAM and up to ~$4,400 at PF-70 DCAM. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended before buying or selling — confirm the coin has genuine Proof mirror fields, not cleaned business-strike surfaces.
Are there valuable 1998 errors besides the Wide AM?
Yes, but all others are worth less. The 1998-S Close AM Proof is the highest-value variety. Denver has minor doubled die reverses (WDDR-001, WDDR-002) worth $5–$75. Major mint errors such as dramatic off-center strikes ($20–$100+) and broadstrikes ($15–$60) also exist. There are no confirmed RPMs for this date.
My 1998 cent has bubbles or bumps on the surface — is it an error?
Almost certainly not. Raised bumps on zinc cents are plating blisters — caused by gas trapped between the zinc core and copper plating during striking. They are a manufacturing defect common to all copper-plated zinc cents (1982-present) and carry no numismatic premium. Face value only.
Should I clean my Wide AM before selling it?
Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even gently wiping it — creates hairline scratches visible under magnification that permanently reduce its grade and value. A cleaned Wide AM will be labeled “cleaned” by PCGS or NGC and lose most of its premium. Store it in a coin flip or airtight 2×2 holder and do not touch the surfaces.
What is the rarest 1998 cent variety?
The 1998-S Close AM Proof is the rarest and most valuable, with certified populations far below those of the business-strike Wide AM. High-grade DCAM examples have sold for over $4,000. The 1998 Wide AM business strike is more available but still considered scarce relative to the 10-billion-coin mintage.
1998 Lincoln Cent Research: Sources & Methodology
All values, diagnostics, mintage figures, and variety designations in this guide derive from the following primary sources, verified as of January 2026. No asking prices or unverified forum data were used.
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1998 1C Wide AM FS-901 RD (auction records, population data, variety diagnostics)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1998-S 1C Close AM DCAM (auction records, population data)
- NGC Coin Explorer — 1998-S Close AM PF (census data)
- Wexler’s Doubled Die Reference — 1998-D varieties (WDDR-001, WDDR-002 diagnostics)
- GreatCollections Auction Archive — 1998 Wide AM (realized prices)
- Koinpro — Type 2 Reverse Cent Variety Diagnostics (Phantom D, plating defect diagnostics)
- Lincoln Cent Resource — Wide AM Varieties (diagnostic cross-reference)
Variety designations cross-referenced against the Cherrypickers’ Guide (FS numbers) and the CONECA/Wexler die variety census. Values represent auction-realized prices and certified market data, not dealer asking prices. Values as of January 2026.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
