Very unusual die clash. Warning-lot of pics

[JRocco]

I posted this on the CU forum and Mike Diamond gave me some great feedback, but would like some of you guys to chime in if possible. This is a die clash on a 44P that shows as more of an image or "ghosting" rather than a usual die clash. It really jumps out with the coin in hand, but can still be seen in these pics(but much less). The O in OF, N in UNITED, C ind CENT, vertical bar of T in CENT and horizontal bar of E in ONE are all clearly visible. Opinions? How might this happen?

[coop]

I've setup what the reverse die clash would show if it were total with an overlay of the obverse and reverse images rotated to show the effect.
http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/coop49/1944DieClashOverlay.jpg
your coin clash marks look right on the money. Hope the image helps.

[Bob P]

Great overlay coop!
JRocco....You have a classic die clash, and a very nice one at that. Very seldom do you see other elements other than those that appear under the chin and the back of the neck. I am sure that you know that a clash happens when the dies come together without a planchet between them. When they clash like that, they tranfer a portion of their design elements to the opposite die. On subsequent strikes, when a planchet is between the dies, you get not only the main design, but portions of the clashed design in reverse. As more coins are struck, the dies begin to wear and the lighter clash marks will begin to fade. A sharp clash indicates a relatively recent strike after the clash, whereas faded elements are made further down the road. Either way, yours is a very nice coin!

[coop]

The overlay explains why certain areas have a lot of die scratches in certain areas. To cover the clash marks.