1983-D Type I Counter Clash CCL(T1)-10C-1983D-01

Description

Documented in the MadDieClashes catalog as CCL(T1)-10C-1983D-01 and submitted by Shannon Smith, this 1983-D Roosevelt Dime exhibits a Type I Counter Clash — a specialized clash phenomenon distinct from standard die clashes. In a counter clash, the design transfer pattern reflects an indirect mechanism: instead of the two dies striking each other directly, a previously struck coin or planchet wedged between the dies acts as an intermediary, transferring design elements through the interposed metal layer. The counter clash produced the bottom of Roosevelt's chin visible on the reverse, while the reverse displays a heavy clash mark to the left of the top of the flame extending to the top of the olive branch. The balance of the clash marks from the original event have been mostly obliterated through abrasion and die wear — evidence of die maintenance where mint personnel attempted to remove the transferred design elements by polishing the die faces. A die marker for this specific clash consists of a die scratch through the IME of DIME on the reverse, providing a precise attribution checkpoint for identifying coins struck from this particular clashed die. The Roosevelt Dime was designed by John R. Sinnock and struck at the Denver Mint in 1983 in copper-nickel clad composition weighing 2.27 grams with a diameter of 17.91 mm. Counter clashes are rarer and more complex than standard die clashes, making them particularly sought after by error variety specialists who study the mechanics of die-to-die contact events. The partial obliteration of most clash marks while the chin transfer and flame area marks survived documents the limitations of die maintenance polishing — some deeper transfers resist removal and persist through subsequent striking operations.

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