1966 Atypical Die Clash ADC-25C-1966-01SMS

Description

Attributed by MadDieClashes as ADC-25C-1966-01SMS, this atypical die clash on the 1966 Washington Quarter is notable for exceptional strength — described as seldom seen in Washington quarter clash events. The clash transferred IN GOD WE TRUST into the eagle's upper right wing on the reverse, a dramatic displacement of obverse design elements into the opposing die face. Atypical die clashes occur when obverse and reverse dies make contact without an intervening planchet while one die is tilted or shifted, causing design elements to transfer at angles and positions that differ from conventional clashes. The severity of this particular clash suggests the dies met with considerable force during the contactless strike. As a Special Mint Set issue, this coin was produced at Philadelphia during the 1965 to 1967 period when the Mint substituted SMS coinage for traditional proof sets as part of the transition to copper-nickel clad composition under the Coinage Act of 1965. SMS coins exhibit a distinctive finish between business strike and proof quality, and finding an exceptionally strong die clash on this format adds rarity to an already collectible strike type.

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