CCL(T2)-25c-2008-01AZ

Below is a probable type 2 counterclash found on a 2008P Arizona quarter. It was found by Nathan McKinney. It shows a raised GOD and parts of IN TRU from IN GOD WE TRUST. I have hypothesized that an intermediary material, probably metal, was struck over IN GOD WE on the obverse die. It came loose, and migrated toward Washington’s neck where it was struck again, this time counter clashing into the obverse die. There are indications of grease on the die in the area – it may be the grease helped facilitate the metal staying in place on the die face. An overlay is included.

It is critical that if another example of this counterclash is found, to alert me so we can examine it and place it in context with this example – Jason Cuvelier

Below are comments by Mike Dimond who has suggested another sequence of events.

“Mike Diamond suggests that these extra letters instead represent a grease-generated counterbrockage.  A foreign object or a quarter planchet was struck once or twice before the portion bearing the motto IN GOD WE TRUST repositioned itself beneath the bust recess, which was partly filled with coarsely-textured “grease”.  The raised devices on the object or coin penetrated the grease on the next strike, leaving a set of incuse, mirror-image letters.  These, in turn, left a set of raised letters in the middle of Washington’s neck when the next planchet was fed into the striking chamber.”