In 1993 the Mint modified the Lincoln Memorial reverse design a final time.  The new design for 1993 the serif at the top left of the vertical bar on the G of FG was no longer there.  Also, the vertical bar of the G did not extend below the lower right curve of the G on this new design for 1993 as it did on the normal 1992 reverse.

This is the FG on the reverse design intended for all Lincoln cents (circulation strike and proof strike) struck from 1989 through 1992 (LMRD-006).  This reverse design was also the intended design for all proof cents struck from 1994 through 2008.

This is the new FG introduced on the reverse of the 1993 Lincoln cents (LMRD-007).  It was the design intended for use on all 1993 coins (circulation strikes and proofs), and on all circulation strike cents from 1994 through 2008.

There was, however, another very significant difference between the design used from 1989 through 1992 and the new design introduced in 1993.  On the new 1993 reverse design the bottoms of the A and M in AMERICA are almost touching.  All previous reverse designs had a significant space between the bottoms of the A and M.

This is the AM in AMERICA on the reverse design intended for all Lincoln cents (circulation strike and proof strike) struck from 1989 through 1992 (LMRD-006).  This reverse design was also the intended design for all proof cents struck from 1994 through 2008.  Note the separation between the bottoms of the A and M.  It has frequently been referred to as the “Wide AM” reverse.

Here we see the AM in AMERICA on the reverse of the 1993 Lincoln cents (LMRD-007).  It was the design intended for use on all 1993 coins (circulation strikes and proofs), and on all circulation strike cents from 1994 through 2008.  The bottoms of the A and M are almost touching.  It has frequently been referred to as the “Close AM” reverse.

Not long after the discovery of the transitional design cents for 1988 and 1988-D, a 1992-D Lincoln cent was found with the reverse design introduced on the 1993 Lincoln cents.  This was followed shortly thereafter by the discovery of a 1992 P-Mint Lincoln cent with the 1993 reverse design.  We have examined a specimen of the 1992-D Transitional Reverse cent, but we have not yet had an opportunity to examine a specimen of the 1992 P-Mint variety.  The details for the 1992-D Transitional Reverse Design cent are given below.

To date only one working die is known to have the transitional reverse design for the 1992 P-Mint cents and two working dies are known to be affected for the 1992 D-Mint cents.  This would make the 1992 and 1992-D transitional cents far rarer than their 1988 counterparts.

If you have any 1992-D 1¢ Transitional Reverse Design working dies that are different from the one illustrated below, we would love to add them to our files.  Go to the Collector Resources page to find the guidelines for submitting coins for attribution.

In the following listings the person listed under "Submitted By" is the person who sent the coin for listing in the Wexler Die Variety Files.  It is not necessarily the person who originally discovered the variety.

1992-D 1c WTRD-001

Description:  1993 reverse design on a 1992-D Lincoln cent.

Die Markers:  Obverse:  A strong, diagonal die gouge can be found to the right of the upper T in LIBERTY.  Reverse:  Two short, vertical die gouges can be found between the upper I and T of UNITED.  A short, vertical die gouge can be found below the bottom right side of the N in UNITED.  A strong die gouge can be found between the center of the last Memorial column and the bottom right side of the 2nd A in AMERICA.

Submitted By:  Joseph Koelling

Cross References:  None known.  CONECA lists a 1992-D Transitional Reverse Design cent on their “Variety Vista” website, however, no die markers are illustrated or given so it is not known whether or not this is the same die that they recorded.  A PCGS AU58 specimen of the 1992-D Transitional Reverse Design Lincoln cent sold at a Teletrade auction for an amazing $4,100.  The sale took place on Sunday, March 20, 2011 and the final price realized includes a 15% buyer's premium charged by Teletrade.  An AU53 specimen also sold at a Teletrade auction for $3,300 on March 11, 2012.

1992-D 1¢ WTRD-002

Description:  1993 reverse design on a 1992-D Lincoln cent.

Die Markers:  Obverse:  None significant.  Reverse:  A small die gouge can be found above the left side of the U in UNITED.  A small die gouge can be found below the right side of the M in AMERICA.

Submitted By:  Greg Smith

Cross References:  None known