My Take on the 1990 Error Penny: Is Grading Worth It?

I’ve always been captivated by coin errors, and when I recently delved into the topic of a 1990 Lincoln cent with unusual markings, I uncovered some fascinating insights that I think every collector should know. Let me share what I’ve learned about this intriguing find, from identifying the error to practical advice on grading and market value.

Identifying the Error: It’s a Die Clash

In my exploration, I discovered that the anomaly on the 1990 penny—where parts of the Lincoln Memorial appear faintly on the obverse—is actually a die clash. This happens when the obverse and reverse dies strike together without a planchet in between, transferring design elements from one die to the other. It’s a legitimate mint error, recognized by grading services like NGC as a “clashed die” error. I find these errors particularly cool because they’re a snapshot of a mint mishap, but they’re not as rare as some might think.

Is It Worth Grading? Probably Not

Based on my experience and research, I wouldn’t recommend grading a common die clash like this 1990 cent. Here’s why:

• The coin might grade around MS-63 to MS-64 red, but its market value is only a few dollars at best—far less than the $30-$50 cost of professional grading.
• Grading fees often exceed the coin’s worth, making it a poor investment for recovery. Save your money for rarer errors that command higher premiums.
• Die clashes from this era are relatively common, so they don’t add significant numismatic value unless they’re exceptionally pronounced or on key dates.

I’ve held onto similar coins as interesting conversation pieces rather than submitting them, and I suggest you do the same.

The Error vs. Variety Debate: A Nuanced View

This topic sparked a lively debate in my mind about whether die clashes are errors or varieties. I lean toward calling them errors because they result from unintended mint mistakes—like the dies clashing without a planchet. But I get why some collectors see them as varieties, especially when they’re consistent across multiple coins, such as the Franklin “Bugs Bunny” halves or Morgan dollar VAMs. In my view, it’s a gray area: an error becomes a variety if it’s cataloged and collected widely. For instance, compare it to paper currency with inverted plates—it’s an error even if many were produced before discovery. Ultimately, terminology can be flexible, but the key is recognizing the coin’s history and uniqueness.

Mintmark Misconceptions Clarified

While researching, I realized there’s often confusion around mintmarks, especially with this 1990 cent. To set the record straight:

• A lack of mintmark means it was struck in Philadelphia, not an error. Before 1991, mintmarks were hand-stamped, so branch mint errors (like missing mintmarks) are rare and valuable—e.g., the 1990 proof cent with no S mintmark.
• Here’s a quick guide I use for mintmarks on U.S. coins:
  • Cents: No mintmark for any year except 2017 anniversary issues.
  • Nickels: No mintmark from 1938-1979; added from 1980 onward.
  • Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars: No mintmark from 1946-1979; added from 1980 onward.
  • Exceptions exist, like war nickels (1942-1945) with large mintmarks over Monticello.

Knowing this helps avoid overvaluing common coins and spot true rarities.

Grading Company Insights: Proceed with Caution

From my dealings with grading services, I’ve learned to be cautious. I recall an instance where I submitted a coin with a minor error, only for it to be rejected as “insignificant” despite paying fees—much like bringing a car in for service and getting charged without the work done. Companies like NGC can be inconsistent; they might slab minor errors one day but decline others. My advice? Always weigh the cost-benefit and consider if the error is prominent enough to justify grading. For die clashes, it’s rarely worth it unless it’s on a high-value coin or has historical significance.

In wrapping up, I’ve found that while the 1990 die clash penny is a neat piece of numismatic history, it’s best appreciated as a collector’s curiosity rather than a graded investment. Focus on learning and enjoying the hunt—that’s what makes coin collecting so rewarding!