Die clashes...a positive or a negative?

291fifth · November 22, 2005 11:08PM

Do you consider die clash marks to add or subtract from the desireability of coins you are considering. Personally, I consider them to be a negative since they detract from the intended design. Your thoughts...

RYK · November 22, 2005 11:11PM

I am glad you asked. I have thought about posting this in the past.

To me, it depends on the coin and how obtrusive the die clash is. For the most part, I think that they add some charm. I would not pay a premium for one and likely would not expect a discount either.

A while back, I asked HRH whether these were grade-limiting. Apparently, they usually are not (per PCGS, anyway).

IrishMike · November 22, 2005 11:19PM

I collect die clashed IHC's and consider them very collectible.

Wolf359 · November 22, 2005 11:21PM

Good question. Since a die clash is really an unintended design revision, I think most people overlook
them. Most clashes on Morgans don't do a thing except distract - but letter transfer is special.

Virtually all the clashed 'E' reverses though are Top 100 or Hot 50 Morgan dollar varities which PCGS now recognizes. I think once you see them in person, they are attractive and can hook you.

In the last 5 years or so, the Obverse clash "In" and "n" have become popular. One ultra-rare 1889 VAM-23A is rumored to have sold for 8K

Not bad for a cleaned circulated coin that commonly sells for $20 or so.

ms70 · November 22, 2005 11:29PM

<< <i>I am glad you asked. I have thought about posting this in the past.

To me, it depends on the coin and how obtrusive the die clash is. For the most part, I think that they add some charm. I would not pay a premium for one and likely would not expect a discount either. >>

What RYK said.

messydesk · November 22, 2005 11:56PM

That depends. Dramatic die clashes are in demand for Morgan dollars. Then there are the somewhat dubious die clashed like the 1857 flying eagle mixed with seated half or $20 Lib, and an 1868(?) 3c nickel with a gold dollar. For a high grade type set, however, I wouldn't want them, for precisely the reason you state. They detract from the design of the coin.

PerryHall · November 23, 2005 12:03AM

<< <i>Do you consider die clash marks to add or subtract from the desireability of coins you are considering. Personally, I consider them to be a negative since they detract from the intended design. Your thoughts... >>

I feel the same way about some of the toned coins with the wild bright colors.

JRocco · November 23, 2005 1:23AM

Clashes are always cool---double clashes are twice as cool.

mgoodm3 · November 23, 2005 1:27AM

I don't mind a little clash. Really strong clashes are kinda cool.

MrHalfDime · November 23, 2005 1:41AM

I think the desirability of die clashes depends upon your objectives in collecting. Certainly, if you are looking for a nice representative example for a type set, you may seek the best example of the engraver's art, free from die clashes, die cracks, cuds or other anomolies. On the other hand, if you collect by die marriage, you may actively seek examples with die clashes for a particular die state. For example, the only remarriage that was missing from Russ Logan's Capped Bust half dime collection when it was sold at auction was the 1829 LM-16.2/V14 LDS, with the diagnostic die clash under the eagle's wing. I was subsequently able to locate an attractive MS-62 example of this remarriage, replete with the glorious die clashes. It is one of but two examples reported in the latest JRCS census survey. Needless to say, I was quite delighted with the die clash in this instance.

Beyond that, die clashes also provide some instructive insight into the minting process, forever eliminating the old misnomer "suction marks" from the numismatic lexicon.

Shamika · November 23, 2005 1:52AM

If I had to choose, I'd prefer no die clash. However, a little doesn't really bother me.

Super strong die clash can actually increase the value of most coins.

michael · November 23, 2005 2:52AM

if extremely strong on a higher grade coin where the clash shows through in a unique way/superimposed perfectly where you can see both designs quite clearly

it is a

STRONG POSITIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Prethen · November 23, 2005 2:56AM

Die clashes are a kind of cool mint-made "variety". I have no problem with them. In fact, I deliberately like getting some 3CN with the more obvious die clashing evident.

Dismeguy · November 23, 2005 3:59AM

I love seated dimes with character! Die cracks, die clashes, cuds are more desireable to me than a dime with pristine surfaces. Now if I'm collecting proofs, then want unblemished cameo mirrors. If its a business stike type set, then just coins with gems surfaces. Again it depends on the collecting objective.....

flaminio · November 23, 2005 4:12AM

Clashes are cool ... but I don't collect them.

mozin · November 23, 2005 4:21AM

Clashes on 19th Century series coins are great.

ziggy29 · November 23, 2005 4:22AM

Depends on my objective. For my type set, I would prefer unclashed coins as I want nice, representative examples of each type. For some of my date sets and other coins I buy just because I like them, clashes are pretty cool.

And one thing I like about clashes is that if I share my coins with people who don't know much about coins, I like that "cool!" expression on their faces when I show them the clashes and describe how they occur!

itsnotjustme · November 23, 2005 4:49AM

I think they are an extra bonus on MOST coins, adding interest. I have a 3CN with very prominent clashes that I like. The only exception to me would be super gems.... an MS67+ coin, I think these could be to much distraction....

Koinlink · November 23, 2005 5:10AM

In most cases I like it & I think it adds character.

Die clashes...a positive or a negative?

Comments

Leave a Comment