1909 Indian Head Cent Die Clash

Description

The 1909 Indian Head cent occupies a singular place in American numismatic history: it was the final year of the series, replaced mid-year by Victor David Brenner's Lincoln Wheat cent on the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. This die clash variety shows transfer impressions on both sides. On the obverse, the letter C from the reverse CENT legend is impressed as an incuse mark in front of Liberty's eye — the standard clash marker seen across Indian Head cent clash varieties. On the reverse, the nose and forehead of Liberty are clashed below and through the letter C of CENT. The appearance of facial features in the reverse field is characteristic of strong clash events where the Liberty portrait and wreath occupied positions enabling significant cross-transfer. Die clashes on final-year issues carry added collecting interest by documenting production conditions at a series' close. The 1909 is already the key final-year date, and a die clash example adds numismatic significance on top of that inherent historical importance. Designed by James B. Longacre, the Indian Head cent ran in bronze for 46 years.