1992 Typical Die Clash TDC-1C-1992-03

Description

Third in the sequence of typical die clashes cataloged for the 1992 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent, TDC-1C-1992-03 documents yet another instance where obverse and reverse dies made direct contact without an intervening planchet. Die clashes occur when the press cycles without a blank being fed into position — a mechanical timing failure that allows the dies to slam together, each receiving an incuse impression of the opposing design. On Lincoln Memorial cents, clash marks are identifiable by their characteristic mirror-image reversal: the Memorial's columned facade appears on the obverse in the field around Lincoln's portrait, while Lincoln's profile transfers onto the reverse amid the Memorial architecture. The presence of three cataloged typical die clashes for a single date and mint mark — all from Philadelphia's 1992 production — reflects both the high volume of cents struck that year and the systematic searching by variety specialists who examined large quantities of rolls and bags. Each clash involves a distinct die pair, confirmed through unique die markers that differentiate one clash event from another. For the collector pursuing a comprehensive set of 1992-P die varieties, TDC-1C-1992-03 represents the rarest of the three cataloged clashes. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets, 2.5 grams, 19mm, plain edge.

External References