Bringing the latest mint error news to the collector. Also featuring Die Trials, Patterns, Test Pieces, Numismatic Rarities, Currency Errors and Discoveries from the U.S. Mint.
Mint Error News Magazine reports the discovery of the unique mule die clash discovery coin certified by PCGS. It was discovered in change and sent to PCGS for authentication and grading. It is a 1999 Lincoln Cent, graded MS 63 RB and the PCGS tag describes it as "Mule Die Clash Reverse - Discovery Coin."
It is fascinating that mint errors can still be found in circulation and in this case it is an exciting discovery coin and is unique to date. It is being widely discussed in numismatic circles as an exciting mint error.
A mule die clash occurs when two dies that should not have been paired together to strike coins are accidentally or intentionally paired and subsequently are clashed together without a planchet in the collar.
This Lincoln Cent discovery coin is the only known mule die clash from the 20th century and is unique to date. There are 6 known mule die clashes on coins of different denominations from the 19th century:
1857 Flying Eagle Cent that shows a clash from being struck by the reverse die and the reverse die of a Seated Liberty Quarter
1857 Flying Eagle Cent that shows a clash from being struck by the reverse die and the obverse die of a $20 Liberty
1857 Flying Eagle Cent that shows a clash from being struck by the obverse die and the obverse die of a Seated Liberty Half
1857 Seated Liberty Quarter that shows a clash from being struck by the reverse die and the reverse die of a Flying Eagle Cent
1870 Shield Nickel that shows a clash from being struck by the obverse die and the reverse die of an Indian Head Cent
1864 2 Cent that shows a clash from being struck by the reverse die and the obverse die from an Indian Head Cent
This unique mule die clash discovery coin shows the mule clash on the reverse side. There is an arc of incuse letters. Upon careful examination, there are two sets of letters, meaning that the two dies clashed two separate times, at a slight rotation.
It is interesting to note that after almost 20 years, no other examples of this mule die clash reverse are known or have been authenticated and certified by PCGS, NGC or ANACS.
