My Journey with the 1990 Error Penny: Grading Insights for Collectors

I recently dug into the fascinating world of a 1990 Lincoln cent that sparked a lot of questions about errors and grading, and I’ve got some thoughts to share based on my own collecting adventures. It all started when I came across a similar penny in an old family stash, showing unusual design elements on both sides—a discovery that got me wondering about its value and whether it was worth sending off for professional grading.

What Exactly is This Error?

In my research, I confirmed that this type of anomaly is called a die clash. A die clash happens when the obverse and reverse dies strike together without a blank planchet in between, transferring parts of one design onto the other die. For the 1990 penny, it often shows up as ghostly impressions of the Lincoln Memorial on the front or vice versa. It’s a legitimate mint error, but not super rare, making it more of a cool curiosity than a high-value treasure.

Should You Grade a Coin Like This?

Based on my experience, I’d advise against grading this 1990 die clash penny. Here’s why:

• The grading fees alone—often $30 to $50 or more—far exceed what the coin is worth, typically just a few dollars in uncirculated condition like MS-63 or MS-64.
• It won’t add much resale value; collectors see these as neat finds but not investment pieces, so you’d likely never recoup the costs.
• Instead, I recommend holding onto it as part of your collection or trading it informally—it’s a great conversation starter for new collectors!

The Great Error vs. Variety Debate

This coin got me thinking about a hot topic in numismatics: are die clashes errors or varieties? I lean toward calling them errors because they result from unintended mint mistakes, like the dies clashing without a planchet. But some argue that since many coins from the same die share the same flaw, they’re varieties. Take examples like the Morgan dollar VAMs or the Franklin ‘Bugs Bunny’ half dollar—they’re often labeled as varieties, but I see them as errors at heart. It’s a gray area, but in the end, what matters is how it affects the coin’s story and appeal.

Broader Collecting Tips and Market Observations

Digging deeper, I uncovered some key insights about mintmarks and rare finds. For instance, that 1990 proof cent without an S mintmark is a true rarity and can fetch big money—PCGS lists it as a high-value coin. But remember, on business strikes like this penny, no mintmark just means it’s from Philadelphia. Here’s a quick cheat sheet I keep handy:

• Cents: No mintmark for most years, except special issues like 2017.
• Nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars: No mintmark from the 1930s to 1979; mintmarks added starting in 1980.
• Watch for exceptions, like silver wartime nickels with a ‘P’ mintmark over Monticello—I once missed that in my own collection!

Always double-check mintmark history to avoid confusion with potential errors, as branch mints sometimes forgot to add them, creating valuable varieties.

Thoughts on Grading Services

I’ve had my share of frustrations with grading companies like NGC. One time, I submitted a coin with a minor error, and they charged me but refused to slab it, claiming it wasn’t significant—despite examples where they’ve graded similar flaws. It feels like paying for a service and getting nothing in return. My advice: be cautious with submissions; read the fine print, and only send coins with clear rarity or high potential value to avoid disappointment.

Final Advice for Fellow Collectors

In wrapping up, that 1990 die clash penny is a fantastic piece for learning and enjoyment, but skip the grading. Focus on the thrill of the hunt—errors like this teach us about mint processes and add depth to our collections. If you’re new to this, start by studying die clashes and mintmark quirks; it’s a rewarding way to build expertise without breaking the bank. Happy collecting!