1983 Atypical Die Clash ADC-50C-1983-03

Description

Cataloged by MadDieClashes as ADC-50c-1983-03, this atypical die clash variety on the 1983 Kennedy Half Dollar shows strong clash marks on both the obverse and reverse dies. The Kennedy Half Dollar, designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse), transitioned from 40% silver to copper-nickel clad composition in 1971, and the 1983 issue was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in the standard clad format — a pure copper core bonded between outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel — weighing 11.34 grams at 30.6 mm diameter. Atypical die clashes differ from normal clashes because the dies contact each other in an unusual orientation, often rotated or tilted, producing clash marks that appear in unexpected positions on the struck coin. The 1983 Kennedy Half Dollar is notable in U.S. numismatics because no coins were included in mint sets that year (the Mint sold no uncirculated coin sets in 1982 or 1983), meaning most surviving examples come from circulation or proof sets. The images documented by MadDieClashes show equally strong clash impressions on both dies, indicating a forceful impact between the die faces when no planchet was present in the striking chamber. Collectors examining this variety should look for transferred design elements from the opposing die that appear as incuse or raised ghost images in areas of the coin that normally show flat field.

External References