1952-D Atypical Die Clash ADC-1C-1952D-01

Description

Cataloged as ADC-1c-1952D-01, this 1952-D Lincoln Wheat Cent atypical die clash is notable for occurring on a die that also carries a repunched mintmark, making it doubly interesting to variety collectors. The clash marks consist of transferred reverse elements visible on the obverse: the C of CENT and the O from OF appear west of Lincoln's portrait, while the N from CENT can be seen below the chin, and a fragment of the C from AMERICA shows in front of the forehead. On the reverse, portions of Lincoln's portrait appear as transferred obverse elements — reciprocal clash impressions confirming both dies made contact without a planchet between them. Atypical die clashes differ from standard clashes because the transferred elements appear in unexpected positions, indicating the dies were misaligned or tilted during unprotected contact. The 1952-D was struck at the Denver Mint in 95% copper composition. Discovered by Alex Helzel, this variety documents a die accident where Mint workers failed to catch the clash damage, allowing struck coins bearing the transferred design elements to enter circulation alongside the RPM already present on the die.

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