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 reverse clashing, I assumed identifying it would be straightforward. Three weeks and seven identification methods later, I realized how wrong I was. Let me walk you through what actually worked (and what wasted my time) in this clash identification challenge.

My Coin Detective Journey

Why This Matters

This wasn’t just about satisfying my curiosity. Getting clash identification right affects:

• Your wallet (15-30% premiums for certified varieties)
• Coin history (tracking die states through time)
• Resale potential (specialist buyers vs general collectors)

How I Tested

I put seven different methods to the test using identical high-res photos of my coin:

• Trusty reference books (Cherrypicker’s Guide, Flynn’s)
• Grading company resources (PCGS/NGC online tools)
• Expert consultations (CONECA specialists)
• Digital overlay tools (MaddieClashes templates)
• Auction records (10 years of sales data)
• Collector forums (undercover testing)
• Hands-on inspection tricks

The Method Matchup

1. Book Research

My Tools: Cherrypicker’s Guide, Flynn’s Two Cent book

What Worked:

• Clear FS numbers for Plain 5 clashes
• Established variety baselines

What Failed:

• Zero Fancy 5 clash listings
• Black-and-white photos from the 1980s

My Takeaway: Great starting point but left me hanging for Fancy 5 clashes. I kept flipping pages hoping to find a match that didn’t exist.

2. Digital Overlays

My Setup: MaddieClashes templates + Photoshop

Real-World Process:

1. Downloaded shield template
2. Made it semi-transparent
3. Spent hours lining up clash marks

Win:

• Proved my clash was real (92% match)
• Removed guesswork from alignment

Reality Check:

• Requires pro-grade photos ($200+ setup)
• Doesn’t tell you if it’s significant

Lightbulb Moment: Overlays confirmed the clash existed but couldn’t tell me if collectors cared.

3. Grading Company Services

Cold Hard Truth:

• PCGS only recognizes Plain 5 clashes
• NGC offers generic “Die Clash” labels

Cost Breakdown:

• $35-50 grading fee
• +$18 for attribution that adds zero value

My Verdict: I learned the hard way – save your submission fees for undocumented clashes. That $18 variety fee bought me nothing.

4. Expert Outreach

Who I Contacted: Frank Leone (CONECA) + top dealers

Response Rate: 1 reply out of 4 attempts

What Actually Works:

Proven Contact Formula:
1. Physical letter + photo prints
2. Include return envelope
3. Wait 6 weeks before nudging


Upside:

• Direct access to niche knowledge
• Possible variety documentation

Downside:

• Four weeks of checking my mailbox
• No guarantee of answers

5. Auction Archaeology

Where I Dug: Heritage archives (2,000+ coins)

My Search Strategy:

1. Filtered 1865 Fancy 5 coins
2. Zoomed reverse photos
3. Compared clash patterns

Here’s What Shook Out:

• Only 3 matches in a decade
• No price difference vs regular coins

Truth Bomb: Auction records proved my coin was rare but didn’t make it valuable. Turns out scarcity alone doesn’t open wallets.

6. Die State Study

Key Insight: Clash marks fade with each strike

My Approach:

• Mapped strongest clash features
• Hunted for polishing marks
• Compared to worn die examples

Discovery: My coin came from fresh dies – explaining why the clash jumps out so clearly. Early strikes really do show more detail.

7. Community Wisdom

Where I Lurked: 5 forums + specialist groups

Pro Tip:

“Lead with overlay images and specific die markers – triples serious responses”

Result: Crowd wisdom confirmed only three similar examples exist. Real collectors stepped up where books fell short.

The Value Surprise

After 23 hours of analysis, I uncovered this market quirk:

Paperwork ≠ Profit

My auction research (47 sales) showed:

• Certified Plain 5 clashes: 0-5% premium
• Uncertified dramatic clashes: 8-15% bonus

As one dealer put it: “Collectors vote with their wallets – they pay for what catches their eye, not what’s on a label.”

Smart Next Steps

For Choice Coins (AU/MS):

Winning Strategy:

1. Make custom clash documentation
2. Get graded without variety fees
3. Sell as “Eye-Catching Clash Example”

For Circulated Coins (XF or lower):

Budget Approach:

• Use free overlay tools
• Store in archival flip with notes
• List as “Interesting Clash Variety”

Building New Knowledge:

If You’re Pioneering:

1. Photograph 10+ examples
2. Publish in specialty journals
3. Push CONECA for new numbers

My Battle-Tested Verification System

After comparing every approach, here’s my three-step filter:

1. Mechanical Check: Overlays + die markers
2. Market Reality: Sales data + TPG recognition
3. Money Math: Certification costs vs visual wow factor

Where’s my 1865 Fancy 5 now? It’s NGC-graded MS62 with “Die Clash” notation, accompanied by my custom overlay proof. I’m marketing it based on its visual punch rather than chasing attribution. Sometimes the real value isn’t in the label – it’s in what makes you pause and look twice.

Related Resources

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