1999 Atypical Die Clash ADC-1C-1999-05

Description

At least three separate clash events converged on this 1999 Lincoln Memorial Cent die to produce an atypical pattern unlike conventional single-event clashes. Three distinct bars — produced by the bottom of the Memorial building stairs transferring as clash marks — appear on the obverse, recording where the reverse die's staircase detail struck the opposing die surface during impacts without a planchet. Even more diagnostic is the incremental shift visible in clash marks formed by the Memorial's bays: these show a three-step progression shifting to the southwest, meaning the die pair clashed, shifted slightly, clashed again, shifted once more, and clashed a third time. Each successive impact left transferred design elements at a slightly different position, creating a layered ghost image that records the die pair's relative movement between events. From the collection of Mitch Siegert, this specimen preserves the full three-event sequence. Atypical die clashes are distinguished from normal clashes because they involve multiple events, rotated or shifted die positions, or other unusual circumstances producing clash marks that diverge from the standard single-impact pattern.

External References