1887 Typical Die Clash TDC-1C-1887-01

Description

Seven years after the 1880 entry, TDC-1C-1887-01 records the first documented typical die clash for the 1887 Indian Head Cent. The clash mechanism remained identical across the series: a planchet feeding failure allowed the dies to contact each other directly, and the resulting incuse impressions transferred as raised ghost elements on subsequently struck cents. The 1887 Philadelphia production run yielded approximately 45.2 million Indian Head Cents, a high-mintage year that saw extensive die usage and correspondingly greater opportunity for mechanical incidents including clashes. Under MadDieClashes cataloging, sequence number 01 indicates this was the first die clash pair reported for the year, though additional clashes may exist undocumented. In this case, portions of the wreath are clashed in between Liberty's feathers on the obverse, the nose and forehead are clashed under and through C on CENT, and parts of the feathers are clashed inside the right wreath. Longacre's Indian Head design remained unchanged through its entire 1859-1909 span, with the headdress-wearing Liberty facing left on the obverse and the wreath-and-shield composition on the reverse. Collectors examining 1887 cents for clash evidence should look for faint ghost impressions in the open fields — particularly wreath outlines on the obverse cheek area and headdress feather traces within the reverse wreath opening.

External References