1988 Type I Counter Clash CCLTI-1C-1988-03

Description

One of the most complex counter clash specimens in the 1988 Lincoln Memorial cent series, CCLTI-1C-1988-03 from the Paul Argento collection documents at least three — and possibly four — separate die clash events that produced multiple layers of counter clash artifacts. The obverse die was replaced during the die's service life, and the reverse die received heavy abrading, yet at least four clash events remain visible on the reverse, where counter clashes manifest as extra columns tilted approximately five degrees from vertical in bays 7, 8, 9, and 10. These tilted extra columns are not actual Memorial architecture but phantom images created when previously transferred obverse design elements were re-impressed onto the reverse through subsequent clash contacts. Two different sets of clashes may be involved, indicating that the clash sequence was not a single rapid succession of impacts but rather separate incidents — potentially occurring days or weeks apart during the die's production run. Heavy abrading below the Memorial base line represents the Mint's attempt to remove clash evidence from the reverse die, a maintenance procedure that was only partially successful given the depth of the clash impressions. The multiple clash layers and die replacement make this specimen particularly valuable for studying die management practices at the Philadelphia Mint. Struck on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

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