The 1999-S Close AM Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $600 or more in pristine mint state grades — and some rare examples have sold for even higher at auction. If you’ve stumbled across one of these coins in an old collection or a forgotten drawer, you might be sitting on something genuinely exciting.

What Makes the 1999-S Close AM Penny Special

Not all Lincoln pennies are created equal, and the 1999-S Close AM is proof of that. The “S” in the name tells you this coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint, which typically produces proof coins — those mirror-like, specially struck coins made for collectors rather than everyday spending.

The “Close AM” refers to the spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” on the reverse side of the coin. On most 1999 pennies, the A and M appear close together. But here’s where it gets interesting — the Close AM design was actually the standard reverse die for business-strike (regular circulation) coins, not proof coins. So when it showed up on the proof version from San Francisco, it became an unintentional variety that collectors now eagerly hunt.

This mixing of dies is exactly the kind of error that makes coin collecting so fascinating. If you want to check whether your coin matches this variety, a free coin identifier app can help you examine the details without needing to visit a dealer right away. Tools like CoinKnow make it easy to photograph your coin and get an instant variety identification on your phone.

How Much Is the 1999-S Close AM Lincoln Penny Worth

Value depends heavily on grade, eye appeal, and whether the coin has been certified by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. Proof coins are graded on a slightly different scale and are typically labeled PR or PF instead of MS.

Here’s a general value breakdown based on current market trends:

For the most up-to-date figures, you can check the latest 1999 Lincoln Penny price data by grade to see how recent sales are trending across different condition levels.

How to Identify the Close AM Variety on Your 1999-S Penny

The key to identifying this variety is getting a close look at the reverse of your coin, specifically at the word “AMERICA” near the bottom. On a Close AM variety, the right foot of the “A” and the left leg of the “M” are nearly touching — almost no gap between them.

You’ll also want to confirm the “S” mintmark on the obverse (front) just below the date. This tells you the coin came from San Francisco and is a proof issue.

A jeweler’s loupe at 5x or 10x magnification works great for this. Alternatively, CoinKnow allows you to zoom in using your phone’s camera and compare your coin’s features against known variety images in their database — a real time-saver for beginners and experienced collectors alike.

Keep in mind that a genuine 1999-S Close AM will have the characteristic proof surfaces: deeply mirrored fields with a frosted, cameo-like portrait of Lincoln. If your coin looks dull or shows wear, it may not be the proof variety.

Should You Get It Graded or Sell It As-Is

If you believe you have a 1999-S Close AM Lincoln Penny in high condition, getting it professionally graded is almost always worth the investment. A certified PR-67 or higher can sell for hundreds of dollars, while an unverified coin sitting in a flip might only fetch a fraction of that from a cautious buyer.

PCGS and NGC are the two most trusted grading services. Submission fees typically run $20 to $50 per coin, but the added credibility and protection of a certified slab pays off significantly on valuable varieties like this one.

Before you invest in grading, do your research. Reviewing detailed 1999 penny value information by variety and condition will help you decide whether your specific coin justifies the cost of professional certification.

Tips for Storing and Protecting Your 1999-S Close AM Penny

Proof coins are especially sensitive to environmental damage. Fingerprints, humidity, and improper storage can quickly destroy the mirror surfaces that give these coins much of their value.

Always handle proof coins by the edges and store them in acid-free flips, hard plastic holders, or preferably their original mint packaging if you still have it. Avoid cleaning your coin under any circumstances — even gentle wiping can leave hairline scratches that drop a coin from PR-67 to PR-65 in a grader’s eyes, a difference that could cost you hundreds of dollars in value.

CoinKnow also includes storage tips and variety guides built right into the app, making it a handy all-in-one resource whether you’re just starting out or adding to a serious collection.

FAQ

Q: How do I know if my 1999-S penny is the Close AM variety?
A: Look at the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse. If they appear nearly touching with very little space between them, you likely have the Close AM variety. Use a magnifying loupe or a coin identification app to get a closer look.

Q: Are all 1999-S pennies valuable?
A: Not necessarily. Standard 1999-S proof pennies are common and worth only a dollar or two in typical proof grades. The Close AM variety is the rare and desirable one because it used the wrong reverse die, making it a distinctive error variety among proof issues.

Q: Do I need to get my 1999-S Close AM penny certified to sell it?
A: You don’t have to, but it’s strongly recommended if your coin is in high grade. A certified coin from PCGS or NGC sells for significantly more because buyers can trust the grade and authenticity. For lower-grade examples, the certification cost may not be worth it.