1920-S Atypical Die Clash ADC-5C-1920S-01

Description

Cataloged by MadDieClashes as ADC-5c-1920S-01, this 1920-S Buffalo Nickel preserves a stronger than average die clash with two distinct transfer zones. The obverse shows the familiar UNUM clashed below the Indian's jaw line — a standard Buffalo Nickel clash point — but also reveals the less common leg clash just to the right of the Indian's brow, where elements of the buffalo's leg transferred near the portrait's forehead. This second zone qualifies the piece as atypical. On the reverse, the Indian's neck and jaw line generated incuse impressions through the motto. Even in a lower grade the clash transfers remain visible, testimony to the force that created them. The 1920-S was struck at San Francisco during the later years of James Earle Fraser's design, when the type's shallow relief made die clashes a recurring issue. Atypical die clashes on Buffalo Nickels are actively cataloged because the design's topography creates distinctive transfer patterns not found on other denominations.

External References