1992 Atypical Die Clash ADC-1C-1992-01

Description

Found by Louis Schaeffer and documented in the MadDieClashes catalog as ADC-1c-1992-01, this 1992 Lincoln Memorial Cent exhibits strong clash marks on both the obverse and reverse dies created when the die pair struck each other without a planchet positioned between them. The clash occurred with the obverse rotated approximately 3% counterclockwise from its normal alignment, an atypical orientation that distinguishes this variety from standard clashes where the dies meet in their normal relative positions. The rotated clash transferred distinctive design elements in unusual locations: many of the Memorial bays, the base, parts of the roof, and even fragments of E PLURIBUS UNUM are visible coming through Lincoln's coat area on the obverse. Conversely, the reverse displays a portrait outline, the letters TY from LIBERTY, beard details, a small fragment from the date, and the back of Lincoln's jacket — transferred obverse design elements that appear in positions offset from where a standard-alignment clash would place them. The atypical designation (ADC) distinguishes this from typical die clashes (TDC) because the rotational component creates transferred images in non-standard positions, requiring specialized knowledge to identify and attribute correctly. The Lincoln Memorial Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1992 in copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) weighing 2.50 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter, featuring Victor David Brenner's obverse portrait and Frank Gasparro's Memorial reverse. The bilateral nature of the clash — with strong transferred elements visible on both dies — indicates a forceful impact event between the die faces, and the detailed documentation of specific transferred features (bays, roof fragments, portrait outline, beard details) provides a comprehensive diagnostic roadmap for authenticating this variety.

External References