Is Your 1990 Die Clash Penny Worth Grading? My Numismatic Take

I recently got curious about a 1990 Lincoln cent that looks a bit off—specifically, parts of the Lincoln Memorial showing up on the front. Having collected coins for years and handled plenty of errors, this one really caught my attention, so I thought I’d share what I’ve learned.

What Exactly Is This Error?

After checking similar coins in my own collection, I confirmed this is a classic die clash. That’s when the obverse die (the hammer) and reverse die (the anvil) slam together without a blank planchet between them. The result? Design elements from one side transfer to the other. Spotting Lincoln Memorial details on the obverse is the giveaway here—it’s a genuine mint error, not just die wear. While not extremely rare, it adds a cool historical footnote to your find.

The Big Question: To Grade or Not to Grade?

From what I’ve seen with coin values and grading costs, I wouldn’t recommend slabbing this particular coin. Here’s my thinking:

• Even in uncirculated condition (say MS-63 or MS-64 red), a 1990 die clash penny might fetch just a few dollars at most.
• Grading fees from NGC or PCGS start around $30-$50—way more than the coin’s value. You’d lose money if you sold it.
• For common errors like this, enjoy it as a raw coin in your collection. It’s still a legit mint mistake with character.

Error or Variety? A Numismatic Debate

This got me pondering the blurred line between errors and varieties. I personally consider die clashes errors because they stem from unintended mint mishaps—like dies hitting without a planchet. But some collectors argue it’s a variety since every coin from that damaged die looks identical. Cases like Morgan VAMs or the ‘Bugs Bunny’ Franklin halves muddy the waters. It’s a gray area, but for me, if it wasn’t deliberate, it’s an error—like a misprinted stamp.

Demystifying Mintmarks on Lincoln Cents

While researching, I remembered how mintmarks confuse folks. For your 1990 penny, no mintmark means Philadelphia—standard for most years. But watch for exceptions:

• The rare 1990 proof cent missing its ‘S’ mintmark (from San Francisco) is valuable and worth grading.
• Philadelphia didn’t add mintmarks to business-strike cents until 2017. Before that, no mark always meant Philly.
• Other denominations play by different rules—nickels and dimes from Philly had no mintmarks until 1980.

Don’t mistake a regular Philly coin for an error—always check minting history first.

My Experiences with Grading Services

I’ve had my own headaches with grading companies. Once, I sent NGC a coin with a minor mint error. They charged me but refused to slab it, claiming the error wasn’t “significant”—even though I’ve seen them grade identical coins. Felt like paying for air. They often ignore submission instructions too. For your die clash penny? Save yourself the frustration unless it’s truly exceptional.

Practical Tips for Collectors

If you discover a coin like this, here’s what I’d do:

• Verify the error using trusted sources like PCGS CoinFacts.
• Be realistic about value—common errors are more about fun than profit. Keep it raw in a flip or holder.
• Only grade if it’s rare, high-grade, or in serious demand (like that 1990 no-S proof).
• Snap photos and jot down notes. It preserves the story without costing anything.

Coins like this 1990 die clash penny are why I love collecting—they’re pocket-sized history with personality. Hang onto yours, learn from it, and happy hunting!