1870 Indian Head Cent Die Clash (Obverse and Reverse)

Description

Both sides of this 1870 Indian Head cent bear the evidence of a notable die clash event. On the obverse, the letter C from CENT has been transferred in incuse form directly in front of the Indian portrait's eye. On the reverse, the forehead and nose of the Indian are clashed in raised form beneath the C in CENT, placing portrait elements squarely within the denomination lettering. Die clashes happen when the obverse and reverse dies close against each other without a planchet present, each receiving a mirror impression of the opposing design; these marks then transfer in low relief onto subsequently struck coins. The Indian Head cent, designed by James B. Longacre with a stylized portrait on the obverse and a wreath or shield on the reverse, features high-relief elements on both sides, concentrating clash energy into the most prominent portrait areas. Two-sided clashes — where both sides carry visible transfer marks — are catalogued separately from single-side events and are more actively sought by collectors. The 1870 date represents a period of steady production for the series, and two-sided clash specimens from this era remain in active demand among Indian Head cent specialists.