1913 Typical Die Clash TDC-5C-1913-01

Description

Cataloged by MadDieClashes as TDC-5c-1913-01, this 1913-P Buffalo nickel exhibits one of the most common die clash patterns found on the Type I and Type II Buffalo nickel design: transferred lettering visible below the Indian's chin on the obverse. In this case, the clash impression left by RIBUS of PLURIBUS and portions of the letters in UNUM is particularly strong, creating incuse ghost lettering beneath the chin that mirrors the reverse legend's position relative to the obverse portrait. The reverse die carries complementary clash marks from under the chin and throat area of the Indian portrait, confirming that both dies struck each other without a planchet between them. This coin, courtesy of Dave Elliott of Florida, demonstrates why the Buffalo nickel design proved uniquely susceptible to die clashing: James Earle Fraser's high-relief Indian head portrait and bison reverse created deep recesses in the dies that could easily transfer impressions to the opposing die face during a no-planchet strike. The 1913 date marks the debut year of the Buffalo nickel, when both the Type I (raised mound) and Type II (recessed ground) reverses were produced. Die clashes on first-year coins carry special interest because the relatively fresh master dies and new design features interacted in ways that Mint personnel were still learning to manage. Typical die clash listings in the MadDieClashes catalog document these recurring clash patterns across specific design types, distinguishing them from the rarer counter-clashes and rotated clashes that command greater collector premiums.

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