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 spending countless hours hunched over my loupe examining 1865 Two Cent pieces, I’ve uncovered secrets the grading companies won’t tell you. These clash marks aren’t just imperfections – they’re hidden stories waiting to be read.

Why Die Clashes Matter More Than You Think

The Hidden Language of Metal on Metal

When coin dies collide without a blank between them, they leave ghostly “whispers” in the metal. I call these clash marks a coin’s fingerprint – each one unique to specific die pairs. Learning to read them transforms how you see every coin in your collection.

The 1865 Two Cent Battleground

This series presents two completely different challenges for collectors:

• Plain 5 (FS-401/901): Well-documented in Cherrypicker’s Guide – the “easy” ones
• Fancy 5: The wild west of attribution where most grading services throw up their hands

The Attribution Game: Inside the TPG Black Box

Why Your Rare Clash Might Never Get Recognized

Here’s the hard truth: Grading companies follow strict playbooks. From submitting hundreds of coins, I’ve learned:

• PCGS won’t note clashes without official FS numbers
• Some competitors will vaguely mark “die clash” but nothing specific
• New discoveries take years to enter their databases

“The most breathtaking clashes often come from the least documented die pairs – nature’s cruel joke on collectors.”

Advanced Clash Identification Techniques

The Overlay Method That Professionals Use

After ruining countless photos, here’s my foolproof method:

1. Shoot with angled lighting (45 degrees works best)
2. Convert to black and white to spot subtle contrasts
3. Use the shield lines as your alignment guides
4. Mark key areas with simple notes (I use post-its on my screen)

The Expert Network You Need to Know

When top researchers ignored my emails, I cracked the code:

• Start with CONECA specialists (Frank Leone is the Two Cent guru)
• Include side-by-side comparison shots in your inquiries
• Send high-res photos first – nobody wants raw coins in the mail

The Gotchas That Cost Collectors Thousands

When Rarity Doesn’t Equal Value

I once had an MS63 RB Fancy 5 with museum-quality clashes. But without that magic FS number:

• It sold for barely over guide price
• Took forever to find the right buyer
• Grading fees ate most of the profit

The Die State Deception

Through expensive mistakes, I learned that:

• Clash marks fade after several hundred strikes
• Lapping can create false positives
• Later cracks often cover up the best evidence

The Nuclear Option: Creating New Varieties

When I found an undocumented 1865 Fancy 5 clash, the path to recognition was brutal:

1. Find at least three identical specimens (took me 14 months)
2. Publish in major numismatic journals
3. Submit as a group to PCGS (expect multiple rejections)
4. Prepare for a multi-year wait

Actionable Takeaways for Serious Collectors

After authenticating dozens of clashed Two Cent pieces, here’s my cheat sheet:

• Lighting is everything: LED ring lights at 10 and 2 o’clock positions work best
• References: Flynn’s guide is just the starting point – build your own clash library
• Smart grading: Email CONECA first (variety.org) before paying grading fees

The Hard Truth About Clash Collecting

Twenty years in this game taught me one unshakable truth:

“Collect clash varieties for their historical beauty, not investment potential. These are labors of love, not lottery tickets.”

Mastering the Hidden Language of Dies

Die clash collecting exists in the shadows – where official recognition lags years behind discoveries, where the most dramatic varieties may never get graded, and where real expertise comes from handling coins, not reading labels. By understanding grading company limitations, mastering identification tricks, and keeping realistic expectations, you’ll join the small group who truly appreciate these ghostly minting accidents.

Related Resources

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