My Deep Dive into the 1992-D 4 Over 2 Close AM Variety: Separating Fact from Fiction

I’ve spent countless hours hunched over my desk, squinting at 1992-D Lincoln cents rumored to show a ‘4 over 2’ ghost date with that elusive close AM and straight-serif FG. What a rabbit hole that turned out to be! Like many of you, I get excited about obscure varieties, but this chase taught me some hard truths about our hobby’s pitfalls.

What I Thought I Was Hunting

This whole adventure started when I heard whispers about a special 1992-D cent showing a faint ‘2’ under the ‘4’ in the date, combined with touching AM letters and an FG where the G’s serifs were missing. I set out looking for coins with three telltale signs:

• A Denver mint mark (sometimes looking a bit faint or odd)
• That distinctive FG on the reverse where the G looks like a simple circle with a straight arm – no fancy serifs
• The A and M in AMERICA practically holding hands

Let me tell you – after examining dozens of coins, I realized spotting these features consistently is like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands.

Why This “Variety” Doesn’t Hold Up

Here’s the cold truth I discovered: every single coin I found matching this description was actually a beat-up 1994 cent with corrosion or plating problems. These zinc-core coins are notorious for developing blisters around dates and design elements, creating illusions that play tricks on our eyes. What looks like a ghost ‘2’ underneath? Almost always just metal fatigue or environmental damage. I learned the hard way how our brains love finding patterns – pareidolia strikes again under magnification! Veteran collectors confirmed what I eventually accepted: there’s no recognized ‘4 over 2’ variety for 1992-D. Chasing this phantom on damaged coins is like trying to turn lead into gold. Honestly? Most of these corroded zinc cents aren’t worth the copper they’re plated with – you’re better off spending them.

My Hard-Earned Advice for Error Hunters

This wild goose chase changed how I approach variety hunting. If you’re searching for errors, here’s what I suggest:

• Stick to mint-state coins – damaged surfaces create more false alarms than real discoveries
• Fight the pareidolia urge! Verify with good lighting and photos, but trust me – clean surfaces reveal truth
• Learn established varieties first (like the real Close AM errors) – their characteristics are well-documented
• Remember: plating bubbles aren’t errors, they’re damage. Grading services won’t touch them
• Focus on coins with actual collector value – chasing urban legends won’t fill your album or your wallet

Here’s my tip for newcomers: We’ve all fallen for a “maybe” coin at some point. Build your knowledge with reliable sources, and don’t let a dead end discourage you.

While I loved the romance of discovering a hidden error, reality won out. These days I save my energy for properly preserved rarities – and encourage you to do the same. After all, separating fact from fiction is what makes our hobby so rewarding!