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

I love hunting for coins like that curious 1990 Lincoln cent with its odd markings. Figuring out whether such finds are worth grading is always part of the adventure. Just last month, I pulled a die clash error from my own collection that got me thinking hard about grading costs, value, and what really matters to us collectors.

What Exactly Is a Die Clash?

When I look at a coin like this, where you can see ghostly traces of the Lincoln Memorial on Lincoln’s portrait, it’s almost always a die clash. This happens when the obverse and reverse dies smack together without a blank planchet between them. Major graders like NGC will label these “Clashed Dies” – it’s a genuine mint error, not just wear. While uncirculated examples might grade MS-63 or 64 red, they’re common for dates like 1990. Cool? Absolutely. Valuable? Not really.

Is Grading Worth the Cost?

Let’s be honest: slabbing a coin like this rarely makes financial sense. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Grading fees eat your profit: Paying $30-$50 to grade a coin worth a couple bucks? That math never works.
• Market truth: Common errors without rarity don’t bring big premiums. Keep it raw as a neat pocket piece rather than an investment.

I’ve watched too many collectors rush to grade minor errors only to lose money. Unless it’s truly exceptional, save your submission dollars.

The Error vs. Variety Debate

This coin made me wrestle with an old collector’s question: When does an error become a variety? I call die clashes errors because they’re honest mint mistakes – like when dies accidentally kiss without a planchet. But some folks argue they’re varieties since every coin from those dies shows the same marks, like Morgan VAMs or “Bugs Bunny” halves. Where’s the line? Errors are happy accidents; varieties get cataloged. Either way, it’s these quirks that make our hobby so fascinating.

Mintmark Misconceptions

While we’re talking about that 1990 penny, let’s clear up mintmark confusion – I’ve seen collectors miss real treasures here:

• No mintmark usually means Philadelphia, not an error. Only in 2017 did Philly cents get a “P”.
• Pre-1980 nickels, dimes, quarters, and halves didn’t show Philly mintmarks either.
• True errors happen when branch mints forget marks entirely, like that rare 1990 proof cent missing the “S”.

Always double-check – I once nearly overlooked a 1943 nickel with the wartime “P” over Monticello!

My Grading Service Lessons

Here’s a hard truth I learned: Grading companies don’t always play fair. I once submitted a minor error coin, paid full fees, and got it back ungraded because they deemed it “insignificant.” Felt like paying a mechanic who didn’t fix my car! Their inconsistent standards can burn holes in your wallet. For common clashes like the 1990 cent? Skip the submission unless you’re positive it’s special.

Practical Tips for Your Finds

When you uncover something interesting, here’s my approach:

• Research before you submit: Hit PCGS CoinFacts or similar resources. Knowing what you have prevents expensive mistakes.
• Chase rarity: Save grading for key dates or dramatic errors. Common clashes are perfect for raw collections.
• Follow the money: If your coin’s value won’t cover grading costs twice over, admire it in a flip instead.
• Embrace the hunt: Every coin teaches you something. Stay open to learning from fellow collectors.

That 1990 die clash penny? It’s a wonderful conversation starter for your collection, but not worth slabbing. Keep searching – may your next find make your heart skip a beat!