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PO Box 1993, Bloomington, IL 61702-1993
309 662-0159


Die Clash
Error Coins
These listings will help collectors understand the different types of error coins that are collected.

All photographs are provide compliments of "Mr. Z".


Die clashes are formed when one die strikes the other die without a planchet between them. This leaves some of the details of the obverse die on the reverse die and some of the detail of the reverse die on the obverse die.

Most of the evidence of a die clash can be found in the low areas of a coin. On the 1813 Large cent shown below, the die clash can be seen between the neck and the hair. Since the neck and hair of this coin is higher than the surface of the coin, the die clash is protected and will show beautifully.


In this example, the dies clashed three times.
Click on the image to see an enlargement of the die clash area.
The closeup image is turned to provide better viewing.


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This is a 1995 Lincoln cent. We used color film and developed it
on special black and white paper to make the detail show. Notice
the pillars of the Lincoln Memorial Building show across Lincoln's neck.

As more and more coins are struck with these dies, the details of the die clash
will fade. Also, die clashes like this can cause dies to break.


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Here is a new die clash sent in by Paul Ondulich.
This 1982 Lincoln cent shows two die clashes on the obverse over the TY of LIBERTY.
Notice the two sets of columns from the Memorial Building on the reverse of this coin.

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Paul also found a different neat die clash on another 1982 Lincoln cent.
Notice on the image to the left that the YT of LIBERTY can be seen between
the columns of the Memorial Building on the reverse. In the second image,
you can see the date above the upper right corner of the Memorial Building.
Nice eye Paul and thanks for sending us the coins.

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Broadstruck Clips
Die Clash Die Cap
Double Denomination Double Struck
Flip Over Multi Struck
Mated Pair Off Center Struck
Wrong Planchet

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