What is a die clash on a coin?
How die clashes form
Coins are struck between an upper die and a lower die. If the dies meet directly, without a metal blank, each die picks up a reverse image of the other. Coins struck afterward can show a faint ghost of the opposite side's design, sometimes called a clash mark.
Die clashes can show as a full image or a partial one. Partial clashes are more common, and they can appear as a shadow of letters, numbers or a portrait on the coin.
- Happens when dies strike each other
- Shows a ghost or mirror of the other side
- Partial clashes are more common
- Often seen on the field or fields of a coin
Identifying a clash
Use a magnifier to look for a faint reverse image in open areas, such as the field near the portrait. A clash looks like a raised or incused copy of part of the other design, not like a simple scratch.
If you think you have a die clash, compare the coin with known examples and seek an expert opinion. Some clash marks are subtle and are better confirmed by a professional. Compare the clash with a second example from a reference book so you can see the difference between a true clash and simple wear.
Common mistakes
- Confusing a die clash with a strike doubling or a loose die.
- Dismissing faint marks without a side-by-side comparison.
