1969-D Typical Die Clash TDC-1C-1969D-01

Description

Cataloged as TDC-1c-1969D-01 by MadDieClashes, this typical die clash event on a 1969-D Lincoln Memorial cent preserves a vivid record of the moment obverse and reverse dies met without an intervening planchet. The overlay analysis shows the approximate position of the dies when the clash occurred, revealing a near-centered impact that transferred distinct architectural elements of the Memorial building onto the obverse. The Memorial building's left cornice edge and the top of bay 1 can be seen clashed into the field below LIBERTY, imparting a faint but unmistakable ghost image visible under side-lighting. The clash mark protruding from the lapel of Lincoln's jacket into the bottom of the 1 digit in the date is generated by the field and the roof line of the Memorial building — a particularly useful diagnostic because it intersects a fixed reference point in the design. Additionally, the clash mark running from the bottom of the E in UNITED to the top of the left side cornice was generated by the field and Lincoln's back. This specimen resides in the collection of Vivien Bullard. Die clashes on 1969-D cents reflect the high-speed production environment at the Denver Mint during its second year of resumed mint-marked coinage following the 1965-67 suspension, when presses operating at 400+ strokes per minute occasionally misfed.

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