Is That 1990 Die Clash Penny Worth Grading? My Numismatic Insights

I’ve been collecting coins my whole life, and error coins never fail to grab my attention. When collectors ask me whether they should grade a particular find, it always sparks good conversation. Take this 1990 Lincoln cent I recently examined with what appears to be a die clash – it got me thinking about the grading question all over again. Let me share my perspective on whether it’s worth slabbing and what we can learn from it.

What Exactly Is a Die Clash?

Let me tell you why die clashes fascinate me. Imagine the obverse and reverse dies slamming together without a coin blank between them. That violent collision leaves ghostly traces of one design on the opposite side – like seeing Lincoln Memorial pillars on the wrong face of the coin. Once you’ve spotted one, you’ll always recognize that eerie impression. I’ve found dozens over the years, and while they’re not usually big money-makers, they’re always exciting discoveries.

Should You Grade This 1990 Penny?

Here’s my honest advice about grading that 1990 die clash cent:

• Cost vs. Value: Let’s talk numbers – grading fees from NGC or PCGS start around $30-$50 before shipping. Meanwhile, a typical die clash cent in decent shape (say MS-63 or MS-64 red) might only bring a few dollars. You’d likely spend more than the coin’s worth.
• Collectibility Over Profit: It’s absolutely a genuine mint error, just not particularly rare. I’d keep it raw as a great show-and-tell piece for your collection rather than sealing it in plastic.
• Condition Matters: Even if yours has beautiful red luster and minimal marks, the math still doesn’t favor grading. Put that money toward rarer errors or key dates instead.

The Error vs. Variety Debate Unpacked

This coin brings up that classic collector’s question: is a die clash an error or a variety? I fall firmly in the error camp because it results from a minting mistake – those dies weren’t supposed to collide. But I understand why some argue for variety status, especially with famous clashes like the “Bugs Bunny” Franklin halves that appear consistently. Whatever label you prefer, what matters is recognizing it as an authentic mint-made oddity. These little quirks give coins personality and history, even if they won’t pay your mortgage.

Broader Collecting Insights and Tips

While we’re on mint oddities, let me share a couple things I’ve learned the hard way. Mintmarks can trip up even experienced collectors – I’ve seen plenty of confusion about their absence. Most Lincoln cents without mintmarks come from Philadelphia, but watch for exceptions like the valuable 1990 proof missing its “S” mintmark. Quick mintmark guide:

• Cents: Typically no mintmark means Philly, except special issues like the 2017 anniversary coin
• Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, Halves: Mintmarks began appearing regularly around 1980; earlier coins often lack them

And about grading services – I’ve heard too many stories of collectors paying fees only to have coins rejected as “insignificant.” Before submitting anything, double-check the service’s policies and make sure your error is notable enough to justify the cost.

So here’s my take: that 1990 die clash penny is a wonderful piece of mint history, but I wouldn’t grade it. Enjoy it as is, share its story with fellow collectors, and save your grading budget for truly exceptional finds. Happy hunting!