Die Clash Mint Errors
Lincoln Memorial Obverse And Reverse Die Clash
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What happens when a planchet fails to enter the die area to be struck? It's what is commonly referred to as a die clash, because the anvil die is struck by the hammer die, with such force, that they actually impart some or all of the coins designs onto each surface. To simplify, when the dies clash, the reverse design is struck into the obverse die, and the obverse design is struck into the reverse die, so when a blank planchet does enter the striking area, the struck coin will have the reverse design elements on the obverse, and the reverse will be struck with obverse design elements.
However, the obverse of this coin will have upright obverse design elements, but upside down reverse elements and visa versa for the reverse. This can cause collectors some confusion but a coin is struck so that as it's turned in hand, that both sides it appear to be upright in one's hand. What furthers the confusion is when mint employees attempt to polish off the clash marks to save the die, and they often leave some remnant of the clashing, and these dies strike more planchets. A simple overlay of a coin can help clear up confusion and give collectors a better idea of where certain remnant elements should be. Below is an example overlay, and more is available by clicking here Lincoln Cent Overlays.
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