1920 Typical Die Clash TDC-10C-1920-01

Description

Cataloged as the first typical die clash for the 1920 Mercury Dime, TDC-10C-1920-01 documents a variety created when the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet between them. In a typical die clash, the dies meet face-to-face in their normal orientation, and the incuse (sunken) elements of each die impress into the opposing die's surface. The result is ghostly, incuse impressions of the reverse design appearing on the obverse of subsequently struck coins, and vice versa — the obverse portrait leaving a phantom image on the reverse. The "typical" designation distinguishes this from atypical die clashes where the dies meet at an abnormal angle or rotation. The catalog code "10C" denotes the ten-cent denomination within the MadDieClashes classification system. Adolph A. Weinman's Mercury Dime — actually depicting a Winged Liberty Head, not the Roman god Mercury — debuted in 1916 and features a fasces bound by olive branches on the reverse. The 1920 Philadelphia Mint issue had a mintage of 59,030,000, struck in 90% silver at 2.50 grams on a 17.9mm planchet. Cataloged by MadDieClashes. Examine both sides under angled lighting for the ghostly incuse traces of the opposing die's design transferred during the planchet-less clash event.

External References