1864 Radical MAD Die Clash MDC-2C-1864-01

Description

Documented by MadDieClashes with images by Rick Snow and Frank Leone, this 1864 Two Cent Piece Large Motto variety represents a radical misaligned die clash — a severe form where the dies contacted each other at significant offset from normal alignment. On the reverse, denticles from the opposing obverse die clashed through the bow of the ribbon and into the U of UNITED, transferring the tooth-like rim pattern into design elements far from their normal position. On the obverse, reciprocal transfer deposited wreath and bow elements above the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. The Two Cent Piece holds historical significance as the first U.S. coin to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, introduced with the Large Motto variety in 1864 during the Civil War. The radical designation indicates extreme misalignment, where the offset during the planchet-less strike was severe enough to transfer denticle patterns deep into the coin's interior design zones. Snow and Leone's photographic documentation captures the transferred elements with sufficient clarity to trace individual denticle impressions through the ribbon bow. Another unusual misaligned die clash occurring on an 1864, 2 cent piece that shows clash marks on both the obverse and reverse dies.

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