1991 Radical MAD Die Clash MDC-1C-1991-04

Description

From the Joe Koelling collection, MDC-1C-1991-04 displays a Radical MAD die clash mark positioned below Lincoln's nose on the 1991 Lincoln Memorial cent obverse. This clash impression was formed by the last T in STATES and the reverse rim striking the obverse die while one die was severely offset from its normal alignment. The location below Lincoln's nose — an area that normally carries smooth portrait relief — makes the foreign design element particularly conspicuous, as any linear or geometric impression in this zone immediately signals an anomalous transfer. The clash mechanics are straightforward: when the dies closed without a planchet, the misaligned reverse die pressed its STATES inscription and rim profile into the obverse die's working surface, creating permanent incuse marks that would then appear as raised features on every subsequent coin struck by that obverse die. The fact that the T in STATES and the rim are both identifiable confirms the degree of offset — only a radical misalignment would position these peripheral reverse elements against the central portrait area of the obverse. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, weighing 2.5 grams and measuring 19mm.

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