My Deep Dive into That 1990 Error Penny: Grading or Not?

That Unexpected Die Clash Surprise

You know how it goes – you’re sifting through ordinary pennies when suddenly one stops you cold. That happened to me with a 1990 Lincoln cent showing ghostly traces of the Memorial building on Lincoln’s profile. My pulse actually quickened! After comparing notes with other collectors, I confirmed it’s a classic die clash. This happens when the obverse and reverse dies smack together without a coin blank between them, leaving an imprint like a numismatic fingerprint. What makes these special? They’re genuine mint mistakes – not just die wear – that turn common pocket change into little mysteries.

To Grade or Not to Grade?

Let me save you some cash right now: don’t grade that 1990 clash cent. I’ve seen these in person – they typically grade MS-63 or MS-64 red and fetch maybe $3-5. Meanwhile, slabbing costs $30-$50. You’d literally pay ten times what the coin’s worth! For neat but common errors like this, I keep mine raw in a flip. They make great show-and-tell pieces at club meetings. Save your grading budget for knockout errors – think dramatic off-centers or doubled dies where the premium justifies the cost.

Error or Variety? My Two Cents

This little penny got me pondering that age-old collector debate. Some folks argue die clashes belong with varieties since they can create consistent patterns (like those famous Morgan VAMs). But here’s where I land: if the mint didn’t intend it, it’s an error. Dies crashing together? That’s a genuine oops moment – no different than a misprinted dollar bill. Sure, it’s a gray area, but calling it an error feels truer to me. That accidental quality makes finding one feel like discovering buried treasure!

Mintmark Pitfalls to Avoid

While we’re talking 1990 cents, let’s clear up mintmark confusion – I’ve seen too many collectors miss opportunities. No mintmark means Philadelphia… except when it doesn’t! Case in point: the ultra-rare 1990 proof cent missing its ‘S’ mintmark. Here’s a quick cheat sheet I use:

• Cents: Philly issues lack mintmarks (but watch for 2017 exceptions)
• Nickels: No mintmark 1938-1979 (wartime 1943 nickels show that big ‘P’ over Monticello!)
• Dimes/Quarters/Halves: Clean fields 1946-1979, mintmarks appear from 1980

Bookmark this – it’ll save headaches when you’re hunting sleepers.

Grading Services: Handle With Care

Ever feel like grading companies just don’t get it? A buddy sent NGC a coin with a minor error last month. They rejected it as “insignificant” but still charged him the fee. Ouch! That’s like paying a mechanic who tells you “nothing’s wrong” while handing you a bill. My rule? Only submit coins where the slab adds real value. Always check their latest policies too – they change more often than you’d think.

Parting Advice From My Tray

If you spot a die clash cent like my 1990 friend, enjoy it as an affordable curiosity. Slabbing usually doesn’t pencil out, but stay alert for those jackpot exceptions like no-mintmark proofs. Keep hunting, and remember – sometimes the most satisfying finds aren’t in plastic tombs, but rattling loose in your pocket!