1988 Die Clash

[MaryJF]

I've seen pictures of these, but never realized I had one of my own. It's been hiding in one of those giant boxes I've been tossing pennies (yikes.. sorry) into since about 1980. I may have to really take some time and look through them someday. I'm still trying to put them in date order.

Anyway, what do you think? I can even see the designer initials on the obverse, but I can't seem to get a clear picture of it. I don't have the equipement you gents have.

[wavysteps2003]

Great die clash and it is probably shortly after the clash occurred when this coin was struck.

The press operates are tuned into hearing what is happening with the coin presses and when a clash does happen, they can tell from the sound. So, that particular press is stopped snd the dies inspected. Normally, if the obveres die is heavily clashed, it is replaced, however, the reverse will often stay in place.

That is one of the ressons that you see many more reverse die clashes than obverse die clashes. Also, obverse die clashes command a higher premium and the stronger, like yours, the better.

BJ Neff

[daggit]

Nice find Mary

[eagames]

Nice clash!

Poor Abe looks like he's in jail

[Dick]

Maryjf, you found a nice clash!. Like BJ said, most are reverse clashes, and don't command much, if any premium.
You and I seem to be occupied in the same chore: sorting by date, for further reference! I would reccomend my coin rack for this end. It provides tubes for the respective dates, and whrn they atre full, just put another tube in the rack. You don't even have to count them. If your "stash of cents" is anything like mine, it will be a lot of help. If you like the idea, and want details, let me know, and I'll post photos, and measurements.
Dick

[MaryJF]

Thanks for that info, BJ. It's always interesting to know how things like this happen.

In my spare time today (HAH) I was thinking about this question, so here goes. How come I don't see any clash on Abe's face? It looks like the clash is in the background instead of in the foreground. I hope I'm making sense here, but who knows. Almost as if the clash were already on the planchet before the coin was struck. Probably not a possibility, but..

And Dick - let me know about that coin rack. Is it gonna cost me more than these coins are worth? If so, it IS Christmas time, ya know.

[wavysteps2003]

Mary - we must remember that on the die, Lincoln's bust is recessed and sits below the field. On a heavy die clash that spreads across most of the face of the obverse, normally you will not see any clash marks on the bust of Lincoln. HOWEVER, one of the more common die clashes on the Lincoln cent obverse is seldom noticed and does occur in the bust area. Look below the ear of Lincoln and if you see a small triangle shape mark, that is a die clash (I believe it is the upper part of bay # 5).

BJ Neff

[MaryJF]

Ahhh.. you're right, BJ. I forgot that fact. Thanks.

[Dick]

Very true! I was going to point out that the first place to look for a clash on the obverse, is just below the ear, on the side of the neck. Then look about midway on the same line, on the cheek there will be a small line, maybe even a small corner, and just in front of the ipper lip, and out juse a short way, a third mark can be seen.
I have almost a half roll of 2007-P that have varying degrees of clash marks in this area, as well as on the reverse
Mary, It will only cost a few short pieces of 2X3, a drill press, with a 7/8th, or 1: hershner drill bit, and you have the rack, with the supports made of 3/4" p[lywood, (smooth face, or sanded smooth). Here is a photo, to give you an idea.

let me know if you need more info, and I'll give you the measurements, and a view of the support, as well
Dick

[Gabe]

Very nice die clash. Those are pretty neat to find.

[Bob P]

One of the nicest 'Prisoner Cent' die clashes I have seen. Very nice indeed!