7 Costly Clash ID Mistakes Collectors Make (And How to Avoid Them)

I’ve Seen These Coin Clash Mistakes Over and Over

After decades of examining die clashes and helping collectors, I’ve noticed the same seven errors keep resurfacing. It’s heartbreaking to watch collectors lose money on avoidable mistakes – mistakes I’ve made myself early in my career. Whether you’re checking an 1865 Two Cent piece or a modern coin, these slip-ups can cost you both money and missed opportunities. Let me walk you through the pitfalls so you can spot clashes like a seasoned pro.

Mistake 1: Using Potato-Quality Photos

Red Flags: Blurry shots, weird shadows, or only one angle showing

Here’s the hard truth: bad photos lead to bad identifications. That “amazing clash” might just be camera glare or dirt. Do yourself a favor:

• Borrow a macro lens or use your smartphone’s best camera mode
• Shoot straight down with even lighting (natural light works great)
• Include a ruler or known coin for size reference

Save Your Sanity: If you’ve already taken mediocre photos, try free tools like GIMP to adjust brightness/contrast before showing experts.

Mistake 2: Skipping the Homework

Must-Check Resources

Before posting on forums, always consult:

• The latest Cherrypicker’s Guide (don’t use grandpa’s 1995 edition)
• PCGS CoinFacts (their photos are gold standard)
• Specialty books for your coin series

Real Talk: I once wasted months researching a “new” clash that was clearly documented in Flynn’s Two Cent book. Learn from my mistake.

Mistake 3: Expecting Slab Magic

Here’s something grading companies don’t advertise:

“No FS number? That clash might not make the label – even if it’s genuine.”

Smart Move: Call the grading service before submitting. Ask specifically if they recognize and label your type of clash. Save that submission fee if they don’t.

Mistake 4: Ignoring the Lifecycle of Dies

Clash marks change as dies wear from:

• Thousands of strikes (details fade)
• Maintenance polishing (marks disappear)
• Natural wear (looks like circulation damage)

From the Trenches: As the Bust Half Nut Club teaches us, “Single clash marks shouldn’t determine die states.” Always cross-check multiple features.

Mistake 5: Hunting Ghost Varieties

Finding a new clash is thrilling, but:

“Some ‘discoveries’ actually sell for less when slabbed as varieties – collectors want the classics.”

Protect Your Wallet:

• Search Heritage Auctions for comparable sales
• Join specialty collector groups first
• Be honest about market demand

Mistake 6: Botching Expert Consultations

Remember that awkward Frank Leone story? Classic errors:

• Cold-calling without introduction
• Vague questions like “Is this rare?”
• Ghosting after getting help

Relationship Building 101: When contacting specialists:

• Mention their articles you’ve read
• Attach perfect photos immediately
• Offer $50 consult fee – their time is valuable

Mistake 7: Half-Baked Discoveries

For legitimate new clashes:

“The hobby won’t accept your find until you’ve done the scholarly work – photos aren’t enough.”

Publication Checklist:

• Measure die positions to 0.1mm accuracy
• Compare side-by-side with known varieties
• Find at least three identical examples
• Track auction prices for similar rarities

My Battle-Tested Clash Hunting System

After correcting hundreds of collector mistakes, here’s my foolproof method:

1. Capture museum-quality images first
2. Exhaust all standard references
3. Verify grading service recognition
4. Assess actual collector demand
5. Network with specialists before crises
6. Document like you’re publishing in Coin World

Here’s the bottom line: In clash collecting, your knowledge matters more than your equipment. Dodge these seven errors, and you’ll stop wasting money while building a collection that turns heads at shows.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Identify Your Coin Clash in 5 Minutes Flat (Step-by-Step Guide) – Stuck on a Mystery Coin? Here’s How I’d Solve It in 5 Minutes Flat That rare coin with puzzling clash marks …
• Coin Clash Secrets: What Grading Companies Don’t Tell You About 1865 Two Cent Varieties – The Underground World of Coin Clash Identification Most collectors glance right past the telltale signs. But after spend…
• I Tested Every Method to Identify 1865 Two Cent Clash Varieties – Here’s What Works – 1865 Two Cent Clash ID Showdown: 7 Methods Face Off When I discovered an 1865 Fancy 5 Two Cent piece with dramatic rever…