What are counter clashes?

Counter clashes are a form of die clash that leaves part of design element or at times a full design element transferred to another part of the die. Although both counter clashes seem the same, they are both very different.

TYPE I Counter clash. This type of clash must have at least two different sets of clashes to form. When the first set of clash marks are formed on the opposing die, they become part of that die’s unintentional design. If a second clashing of the dies occurs, that unintentional design element or clash mark is then clashed back to the original die that it came from. However, the clash mark will be offset in position from the original design element that created the initial clash mark. That offset of position maybe small or great and is dependent on the relative position of the dies when they clashed in both instances.

Use this LINK to view all TYPE I Counter Clashes.

TYPE II Counter clash. This type of clash is very rare due to the conditions needed to produce this type of clash. During the striking process, a piece of foreign material enters the striking chamber. This could be part of another die or any material that is hard enough to have a full or partial design element impressed into the surface of that material. So, the first striking of the foreign object leaves an impression of a design element. If that piece of debris is left in the striking chamber, the second strike may transfer that design element back onto the die face from the foreign object. Like the other counter clash, there could be an offset of positions between the original design element and the clashed design element left by the foreign object.

Use this LINK to view all TYPE II Counter Clashes.