1996 Radical MAD Die Clash MDC-1C-1996-02

Description

Cataloged by MadDieClashes as MDC-1c-1996-02, this 1996 Lincoln Memorial Cent displays a radical misaligned die (MAD) clash — one of the most dramatic die clash variants where the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet present while simultaneously misaligned both horizontally and vertically. The result is an impression from the edge of the field portion of the die extending from the front of Lincoln's coat and passing through the second 9 of the date. Faint letter traces punctuating the internal border of the curved ridge probably represent the letters ER of AMERICA from the reverse die, transferred in reverse incuse onto the obverse during the clashing event. This variety was discovered by Richard Imburgia, whose keen eye identified the unusual curved ridge and letter traces as a MAD clash rather than a simple die scratch or contact mark. The radical designation indicates the misalignment exceeded normal parameters — the clash occurred with substantial rotational and translational displacement between the die faces. The 1996 Lincoln Memorial Cent was struck in copper-plated zinc composition (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.50 grams on 19mm planchets at the Philadelphia Mint. MAD die clashes are among the most sought-after modern error varieties because they produce dramatic, visible effects that require no magnification to appreciate.

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