2003-D Typical Die Clash TDC-1C-2003D-01

Description

Cataloged by MadDieClashes as TDC-1c-2003D-01, this typical to borderline-strong die clash variety was discovered by Allan White on a 2003-D Lincoln Memorial cent struck at the Denver Mint. The 2003 cent was produced in the copper-plated zinc composition, weighing 2.5 grams with a 19 mm diameter and a plain edge. A die clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies come together in the coining press without a planchet between them, causing each die to receive an impression from the opposing die's design elements. These transferred design impressions then appear as incuse or raised ghost images on subsequently struck coins. The MadDieClashes classification as TDC (Typical Die Clash) distinguishes this from the more unusual ADC (Atypical Die Clash) varieties, indicating the clash marks follow the expected pattern of standard obverse-to-reverse design transfer in proper rotational alignment. The obverse of this specimen shows several memorial bays and the memorial base visible as ghost impressions in the fields adjacent to Lincoln's portrait, and to a lesser extent, clash marks appear across Lincoln's ear. The reverse shows typical transferred obverse elements including the back of the neck, chin, nose, and hair details from Lincoln's portrait, as well as jacket details visible through the letters of E PLURIBUS UNUM. The MadDieClashes description characterizes the strength as typical to borderline strong, meaning the clash marks are clearly visible but do not reach the dramatic intensity found on the strongest clashed die examples. The coin was found by Allan White, whose discovery is credited in the MadDieClashes catalog. Die clashes on Lincoln Memorial cents are relatively common due to the enormous production volumes, but documented and cataloged examples like TDC-1c-2003D-01 serve as reference specimens for the study of clash patterns on this design pairing.

External References