1996 Radical MAD Die Clash MDC-1C-1996-03

Description

Discovered by Richard Imburgia and cataloged as MDC-1c-1996-03, this 1996 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Memorial Cent exhibits a radical misaligned die clash — a collision between obverse and reverse dies while both were horizontally and vertically offset from their normal positions. Unlike a standard die clash where the dies meet in proper alignment without a planchet, a MAD die clash involves significant misalignment, transferring design elements to unexpected locations. On this specimen, a trace emerges from the back of Lincoln's coat, where the top of a curved letter is visible just above the ridge marking the impression of the field edge. This trace probably represents the first S of STATES from the reverse inscription. The radical classification indicates extreme misalignment, distinguishing it from more common minor die clashes. Radical MAD die clashes are among the most dramatic clash varieties, as severe offset can transfer design elements well outside the normal field boundaries, suggesting a significant mechanical malfunction in the press alignment system.

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