Guides · Design reference

Lincoln Cent Design Varieties

Large and small dates, Wide AM and Close AM, transitional designs, and other within-year design differences — plus links to design types (ODT / RDT).

Design types are the different designs that were engraved for use in making the coins.

Design varieties occur when any of the designs are used during a year where they are not intended, or if there are two or more intended designs used within the same year.

Large Date and Small Date
Wide AM and Close AM
Transitional designs
Obverse design differences
Reverse design differences
Other within-year collectible design distinctions

Accordion examples and FAQs may still need specialist review. Hero definitions follow CopperCoins editorial wording.

Design types Design varieties ODT / RDT catalog

Catalog snapshot

30Published obverse design types
6Published reverse design types
12Design variety records
4Years with design varieties

Design types

Engraved designs (ODT / RDT)

Design types are the engraved designs prepared for Lincoln cents. CopperCoins catalogs them as obverse design types (ODT) and reverse design types (RDT), each with year scopes. Dies carry two separate links — one for each side — and pairing is free.

Design types are not die varieties (doubled dies, RPMs) and are not the same as mint mark styles.

Browse design types hub
Date Guide — each year can show applicable design types
Design variety, die variety, and error vocabulary

Design varieties

When designs create year alternatives

Design varieties occur when a design is used in a year where it was not intended, or when two or more intended designs are used within the same year. CopperCoins records those collectible alternatives by year (and proof vs. business strike where needed).

Wide AM and Close AM guide · Library article

Browse by year

1970

4 varieties

1970 — Large Date · 1970 — Small Date · 1970 Proof — Large Date · 1970 Proof — Small Date

1974

2 varieties

1974 — Large Date · 1974 — Small Date

1982

5 varieties

1982 — Large Date Copper · 1982 — Large Date Zinc · 1982 — Small Date Copper · 1982 — Small Date Zinc …

1988

1 variety

1988 — Straight G

Articles

Wide AM and Close AM Lincoln Cents

Videos

Frequently asked questions

What is a design type?

A design type is one of the engraved designs prepared for making Lincoln cents. CopperCoins catalogs obverse design types (ODT) and reverse design types (RDT) with year scopes.

What is a design variety?

A design variety occurs when a design is used in a year where it was not intended, or when two or more intended designs are used within the same calendar year.

Are design types the same as die varieties?

No. Design types describe the engraving used on a side of the coin. Die varieties (such as doubled dies and RPMs) are features of particular dies.

Where do Wide AM and Close AM fit?

Wide AM and Close AM are design differences on certain Memorial reverse issues. Use the Wide AM / Close AM guide and the related year pages; some records are still being organized in the catalog.