1996 Radical MAD Die Clash MDC-1C-1996-04

Description

A Misaligned Die (MAD) clash occurs when obverse and reverse dies contact each other while shifted off-center, transferring a portion of each die's design into the opposing die's field at an unexpected position. The 1996 Lincoln Memorial Cent MDC-1C-1996-04 was submitted by Joe Koelling and documents a clash mark beneath the 19 of the date — a position distinct from typical clash areas. Overlay analysis confirmed the geometry: the flat upper edge of the clash mark corresponds to the letter E from STATES on the reverse die, while the curved lower underside matches the reverse die's rim. This combination of a flat-topped letter profile against a curved rim underside is the diagnostic overlay signature for MDC-1C-1996-04, distinguishing it from other 1996-P clash varieties. The 1996 Philadelphia Cent is a common Memorial series strike, but MAD clash varieties at confirmed unique die positions represent a specialized subset of error numismatics. The position beneath 19 of the date is accessible for examination once the collector knows where to look. MDC-1c-1996-04 This radical misaligned die clash is found on a 1996P Lincoln cent. The upper portion of the die clash mark is flat top of the E in STATES , while the under side of the mark has a slight curve to it (the rim of the reverse die). Overlays show that this is the only position that could have occurred with these features on the die clash mark.

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