The “Flared FG” is a transitional variety found on some 1988 and 1988-D Lincoln cents. It occurred when U.S. Mint employees mistakenly used a redesigned die for 1989 cents.
The initials, “FG,” to the right of the Lincoln Memorial building, refer to designer Frank Gasparro.
This variety requires magnification to identify.
As you can see in this expanded photo above, the “flared” initial is the “G.” It has a noticeable serif. The regular lacks that. Now notice the thickness, or higher relief, of the flared “FG.” The revision was meant to make the initials clearer and distinct.
That’s how you tell.
Again, though, because the variety requires close inspection, have handy a regular 1988/88-D cent so you can compare.
These are easy to find because of the huge mintage: 6,092,810,000 for 1988; 5,253,740,443, 1988-D.
Then compare initials, as below.
The variety designation is FS-901 “Reverse of 1989.” Worn examples sell for a few dollars to $25; mint state, about $150. Several at MS68 have sold for hundreds of dollars.
If you intend to purchase or bid on an example from eBay or Facebook, make sure that the photos are clear enough and magnified so that you can identify the variety. Here’s a typical photo; you can try expanding it with your own photo app. But in general, avoid these.
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