Hello All! 1990 Error Penny: My Insights on Grading and Coin Mysteries

I recently explored a fascinating coin find—a 1990 Lincoln cent with what looked like parts of the Lincoln Memorial showing on the obverse. This reminded me of my own experiences sorting through old collections, and it sparked my curiosity about whether such errors are worth grading. Here’s what I’ve learned from diving into similar cases.

What is This Error Called?

From my research, this feature is known as a die clash. It happens when the obverse (hammer) and reverse (anvil) dies strike together without a planchet in between, transferring design elements from one die to the other. It’s a legit mint error, officially recognized as a “clashed die” by grading services like NGC. I’ve seen these on various coins, and they add a unique touch to any collection, though they’re not always rare.

Is Grading Worth the Cost?

In my opinion, for a coin like this 1990 penny, grading isn’t practical. Here’s why:

• Cost vs. Value: Grading fees can run $30-$50 or more, but a typical die clash cent in MS-63 or 64 red condition might only fetch a few dollars. You’d likely spend more than the coin’s worth.
• Market Reality: Die clashes are common enough that they don’t command high premiums unless they’re extreme or on key dates. Holding onto it as a cool collector’s piece makes more sense than slabbing it.
• Alternative Approach: I recommend documenting it with clear photos and storing it safely. If you ever build a set of error coins, it could be a fun addition without the grading expense.

Errors vs. Varieties: A Nuanced Debate

This coin got me thinking about the fine line between mint errors and varieties. Some collectors argue that die clashes are errors because they result from unintentional mint mistakes—like the famous “Bugs Bunny” Franklin halves or certain Morgan dollar VAMs. Others see them as varieties since all coins from that die pair will look identical. I lean toward calling them errors; after all, the mint didn’t plan for that clash, just like with misprinted stamps or currency. It’s a gray area, but in the end, what matters is the story behind your coin.

Mintmark Mysteries and Rarities

While discussing this 1990 penny, I recalled important mintmark details that can affect value. For Lincoln cents:

• No mintmark means it was struck in Philadelphia, which is standard for most years except special issues like 2017.
• The real gem is the 1990 proof cent with no S mintmark—it’s rare and valuable because proofs that year were only made in San Francisco, so a missing S is an error. PCGS lists it as a key coin, worth thousands in high grades.
• For other denominations, mintmarks started appearing on nickels, dimes, quarters, and halves from 1980 onward, with exceptions like wartime silver nickels (1942-45) that have a P over Monticello.

Always check for missing mintmarks on branch mint coins—it could signal a rare error worth pursuing.

Grading Services: A Word of Caution

In my collecting journey, I’ve heard mixed reviews about grading companies. Some folks report frustrations, like services declining to slab minor errors after charging fees, or ignoring submission instructions. It’s a reminder to research and choose services carefully. If you do submit, start with common coins to gauge their process, and always double-check their policies on errors to avoid surprises.

Overall, coins like this 1990 die clash penny are treasures for their history and quirks, even if they’re not grading candidates. Focus on enjoying the hunt and learning—it’s what makes numismatics so rewarding!