1946-S Atypical Die Clash ADC-1C-1946S-01

Description

Discovered by Mike Antenucci and documented in the MadDieClashes reference, this 1946-S Wheat Cent presents an atypical die clash — a category distinct from conventional die clashes in a meaningful way. Standard die clashes leave sharply defined raised ridges in the die steel where the opposing die face contacted it without a planchet present; atypical clashes instead produce changed surface characteristics — altered sheen, subtle texture shifts, or indistinct impressions — rather than the crisp relief ridges that define orthodox clash marks. On the obverse of ADC-1C-1946S-01, the clash transferred elements of the reverse lettering: the E from ONE, portions of CENT, and parts of STATES AMERICA are visible on Lincoln's portrait field, rendered as sheen changes rather than raised outlines. The reverse shows a complementary transfer of Lincoln's portrait near the right wheat stalk, and the numerals 19 from the date are visible near the wheat. Because the surface change is subtle rather than bold, atypical clashes reward careful examination under raking light rather than direct illumination, which can wash out the texture differences that define them.

External References