“OTHER DIE CLASH IMAGES”
The VOLUNTEER
We have our first new die-clash image since we opened this web site, an almost straight line hanging down to the south-east from under Ike’s bust at the “F” of “FG”:
This is a single-bang clash, a 72-D. The Volunteer shown is a strong Grade A.
Below is a double Volunteer paired with its double Talon Head, also Grade A:
Let’s call this Volunteer a Grade A.
Below is a triple Volunteer with its paired triple Moon Line:
This triple is Grade B, paired with a triple Moon Line, how sweet is that!
Here is a Grade C Volunteer from a 71-S SB Ike: note it is a very tight double.
Why are we calling this die-clash image the “Volunteer”? “Volunteer” is a term familiar to all farmers, signifying a plant that shows up uninvited, not purposefully planted, but there it is, big as life. The classic example is a melon vine or tomato plant showing up on a compost pile.
The Volunteer is caused by the leading edge of the Eagle’s left wing (our right). Even a Grade C is distinctive by the light it catches on “wobbling” and by its tight association with the “F” of “FG” (unless there is O-R die rotation, as occurred with the double and triple bang examples).
Early estimates indicate the Volunteer is more common than the die-abrasion peg leg but less common than the Talon Head. Grade A is maybe 10%, B is 30% and C is 60%. We’ve been looking right at this image and missing it cold for three years. Just shows how much there is yet to be discovered in this relatively short and recent series.