Dies
can clash numerous times, but the multiple collisions will only be apparent
when one of the dies (typically the hammer die) shifts position after each
clash. This produces multiple, staggered clash marks. The distance
between neighboring clash marks can be slight or marked. Lateral die
movement after a clash naturally implies the development of a horizontal
misalignment.
This
1998 cent shows a horizontal misalignment of the hammer die toward the
northwest. It also shows a partial collar error. The coin
preserves multiple, staggered clash marks that are best seen on the
obverse face. These clash marks are arranged along a NW-SE
transect. To create this pattern, the obverse die evidently moved
incrementally toward the northwest after each clash.