1889 Indian Head Cent Die Clash (Reverse — Full Portrait)

Description

Among the more visually dramatic die clashes documented on Indian Head Cents, this 1889 variety displays the full front of Liberty's portrait and feathers from the obverse die clashed onto the reverse surface. A die clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them, transferring incuse impressions of each die's design onto the opposing die surface. The full portrait transfer on this clash is particularly notable because most die clashes leave only partial or indistinct impressions, while this example preserves enough of Liberty's portrait and feather headdress to be readily identifiable on the reverse. The 1889 Indian Head Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of approximately 49 million pieces in the bronze composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. That substantial production meant many die pairs were employed, increasing the statistical likelihood of die clashes occurring during press operations. James Barton Longacre's Indian Head design, featuring Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was in its thirtieth year of production by 1889, and die clashes of this magnitude make compelling display pieces.