Wide AM how wide

[pennies4pennies]

How wide does the gap need to be. Some books show different gaps. I know this is not a wide AM. The secound picture is.

[koinmon]

Definitely not a Wide A M.
George

[DWK]

Wider than that I believe.

The close AMs often have a small space due to die wear.

I measure from the inside of the A leg to the inside of the M leg. The difference between wide and close is consistant and measurable. Use a normal 1992 and a 2000 for comparison.

Some people look at the distance of the FG from the memorial base.

[jcuve]

If the gap is inconclusive, the FG, which is also different, should be used to finalize the analysis.

My tutorial might also help:
http://www.lincoln-cents.cuvelier.org/Design/WAM-CAM.html

[mustbebob]

I agree with Jason in that the designers initials (FG) should be used to verify a Wide AM. As stated, die wear can make the appearance of the gap btween the A and M seem significantly less.

[DCW]

I find using the designer's initials to be a good technique, distance wise from the memorial and style wise. The flared G is a giveaway. It is also good to take note of the distance between the M and E in AMERICA. Wide AM cents exhibit an equal distance between the A, M, and E.

[Duckhawk]

You can also use the location of the A in states to verify. The wide reverse will have the A centered between the T's, and the close reverse will have the A closer to the second T.

Mike

[koinmon]

THAT'S ONE DIAGNOSTIC I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT.
THANKS
George

[lineop3]

Hi P4P! Good to hear from you.
Jason does have some awesome example(s) to go by, and the group did a great job in describing what to look for.

Aisha