1960-D Atypical Die Clash ADC-1c-1960D(SD)-49

Description

Forty-ninth documented atypical die clash on the 1960-D Small Date Lincoln Memorial Cent — a number that reveals this die pair combination as an extraordinarily rich source of clash variety documentation. ADC-1c-1960D(SD)-49 shares a similar clash event geometry with the preceding ADC-1c-1960D(SD)-48, but the position of the dies at the moment of unauthorized contact differed, producing clash marks in slightly different locations. Notably, no other clash marks beyond the primary atypical clash evidence appear on this coin, and the clash event can be recognized by a distinctive die crack visible between the 1 and 9 digits of the date — a secondary marker that developed independently of the clash itself. The 1960-D Small Date variety is already one of the most scrutinized issues in the Memorial Cent series due to the date size transition that occurred during 1960 production, when the Mint switched between small and large date master hubs. Denver struck over 1.5 billion cents in 1960, and the small date variant, while not as rare as its Philadelphia counterpart, commands collector attention for its transitional production status. Atypical die clashes occur when dies contact each other at positions offset from their normal striking alignment, transferring design impressions to unexpected locations — a mechanism distinct from the centered clash marks produced during typical die clash events.

External References