1991 Typical Die Clash TDC-1C-1991-03

Description

Found by Jared Vineyard, TDC-1C-1991-03 represents a typical to borderline strong example of unabraded clashed dies on the 1991 Lincoln Memorial cent — meaning the Mint did not attempt to remove the clash marks through abrading, leaving the full depth of the transferred impressions intact. On the obverse, the Memorial bays and the base/roofline of the Memorial building are visible as incuse impressions in the fields surrounding Lincoln's portrait, transferred from the reverse die during the unplancheted die contact. The reverse displays corresponding obverse transfers: the back of Lincoln's neck, chin, nose, and hair details appear as ghost impressions in the reverse field, along with RTY from LIBERTY. The unabraded condition of these clash marks distinguishes TDC-03 from TDC-01 (which was abraded after clashing), since the retained marks show the full severity of the die contact event. Unabraded clashed dies are generally preferred by collectors because the clash impressions remain sharp and fully visible, providing a clearer record of exactly which design elements transferred and their precise positions. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, weighing 2.5 grams and measuring 19mm. Clash submitted by: Jared Vineyard

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