My Deep Dive into the 4 over 2, 1992-D Close AM Variety with FG Straight Serif

I’ve always been fascinated by Lincoln cent varieties, and lately I’ve been checking out all the chatter about this supposed ‘4 over 2’ ghost error on 1992-D cents. It really got me wondering, so I rolled up my sleeves and examined several coins myself. What I found might surprise you – and save you some headaches in your collecting journey.

My Findings on This Supposed Variety

When I first caught wind of this rumored error, I grabbed my loupe and started studying the features collectors point to. The story goes that on certain 1992-D cents, the ‘AM’ in ‘AMERICA’ touches (what we call a close AM), and the ‘FG’ designer initials on the back have no serifs – just straight lines. Folks claim three telltale signs:

• The date shows as 1992-D, occasionally with a faint mint mark ghosting
• The ‘G’ in ‘FG’ appears completely smooth, like a circle with a straight line through it
• That close AM is supposedly the smoking gun, though honestly, spotting it feels like hunting for a ghost in the machinery

From handling dozens of these coins, I can tell you these “clues” often turn out to be mirages. What looks like a ‘4 over 2’ is usually just plating bubbles, corrosion, or plain old wear on these copper-coated zinc cents.

Why Our Eyes Play Tricks on Us

After poring over example after example, I’m convinced there’s no genuine ‘4 over 2’ variety out there. What we’re seeing is pareidolia – that funny trick our minds play where we see patterns in random marks. I’ve examined coins showing what seemed like doubling around the date, only to realize it was zinc corrosion or die deterioration. Many collectors mistake 1994 cents for 1992-D errors, and in worn condition, these are basically worth face value. My rule of thumb? Always double-check against certified examples before getting excited.

Collecting Smarter – Lessons From My Cabinet

Through trial and error, I’ve learned chasing damaged coins is usually a waste of time. You’ll have better luck focusing on quality pieces when hunting varieties. Here’s what works for me:

• Stick to mint state coins – wear and corrosion hide true details
• Get up close with good lighting and magnification – real doubled dies jump out when you see them
• Pass on corroded or peeling coins – they rarely grade well and often tease with false errors

Condition is king for grading and value. I’ve seen too many collectors overpay for these “ghost errors” when authenticated rarities are where the real treasures hide.

Parting Thoughts From One Collector to Another

This whole experience reminded me why I love numismatics – it’s a constant education. Early in my collecting days, I might’ve fallen for similar theories too. But now I know: trust reliable sources, handle well-preserved coins, and remember our brains love seeing things that aren’t there. That’s the beauty of our hobby – staying curious while building meaningful collections.