1936 Typical Die Clash TDC-10C-1936-01

Description

Cataloged by MadDieClashes as TDC-10c-1936-01, this 1936 Philadelphia Mint Winged Liberty Head dime — commonly known as the Mercury Dime — exhibits a simple die clash that left unabraded clash marks on both the obverse and reverse dies. Die clashes occur when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them, transferring ghost images of the opposing design onto each die face. On this specimen, evidence suggests a second clash event may have occurred, since the clash marks left by the axe head of the fasces appear doubled beneath Liberty's chin — indicating two separate unprotected impacts transferred overlapping impressions of the reverse design onto the obverse die. Unabraded clash marks are significant because they indicate the Mint did not polish the die to remove the clash evidence before returning it to service, preserving the full ghost image on all subsequently struck coins. This coin resides in the collection of Chad DeLillo. Mercury Dime die clashes are sought by error collectors because the fasces and Liberty head designs transfer distinctive, recognizable patterns.

External References