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.

Design variety topic

Wide AM and Close AM

Wide AM and Close AM refer to spacing differences in the letters AM of AMERICA on certain Memorial reverse Lincoln cents. They are design differences within the Memorial reverse family — study them with year context, not as a doubled die.

Needs specialist review: catalog design-variety rows for these issues are still being organized. Use the article and authenticity links below.

Design types & varieties hub Library article

Where to look next

1992 Date Guide
1998 Date Guide
1999 Date Guide
2000 Date Guide
Authenticity hub
Design types (Memorial reverse RDTs)
Glossary: Wide AM
Glossary: Close AM