1886 Indian Head Cent (Type 1) Die Clash (Obverse and Reverse — Portrait and Ear)

Description

A full die clash on both sides distinguishes this 1886 Type 1 Indian Head Cent, the final year of the Type 1 variety where the last digit 6 points between two denticles. On the reverse, most of the front portrait from the obverse is clashed onto the die surface, along with the ear visible to the right of the N in ONE and some feather details — an unusually extensive transfer of obverse design elements. On the obverse, part of the left wreath from the reverse is impressed into the die. This comprehensive two-sided clash indicates the obverse and reverse dies struck each other with substantial force without a planchet between them, transferring incuse impressions of each die's design onto the opposing die face. James B. Longacre's Indian Head design, struck in bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc), renders the portrait and wreath at sufficient relief that even moderate clashing produces visible transferred detail. The 1886 Type 1 is collected as a distinct variety from the Type 2, and die clashes showing this degree of transferred detail on both sides are uncommon among Indian Head Cents of any date. This clash is from a different die pair than the other 1886 Type 1 die clash known for this date, showing additional transfer details including the ear impression near the N in ONE.