1991 Radical MAD Die Clash MDC-1C-1991-05

Description

Also from the Joe Koelling collection, MDC-1C-1991-05 exhibits a Radical MAD die clash extending from Lincoln's jacket to the tail of the first 9 in the 1991 date on the obverse. Analysis of the clash geometry reveals that ME of AMERICA from the reverse die fits exactly into the clash marks left on the obverse die, providing a precise match between the transferred design elements and their source. This exact fit is significant because it confirms not only that a radical misalignment occurred but also identifies the specific rotational and lateral offset between the dies at the moment of contact — the ME of AMERICA must have been positioned directly over the jacket-to-date region of the obverse die for the transfer to produce this precise correspondence. The five Radical MAD die clashes documented for the 1991 Lincoln cent (MDC-01 through MDC-05) collectively map different misalignment angles and offsets, with each variety showing reverse design elements transferred to different obverse locations. MDC-05's jacket-to-date placement represents the most southerly obverse position among the five, suggesting this particular misalignment had the greatest vertical offset component. 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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