"Bugs Bunny"
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What's A "Bugs Bunny?"
The "Bugs Bunny" Franklin is one of the most well known varieties in the series. It's the result of a die clash, which is when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them. When this occurs some of the design elements are transferred from one die to the other. Any coins struck after the dies have clashed will show the transferred image. In this case, the eagle's wing on the reverse left a clash mark on the obverse that resembles teeth.
Overlay showing eagle's wing lining up with the mouth/nose area.
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Clash Types The "Bugs Bunny" clash has different looks on the various dates it can be found. Generally, the clash will be one of three basic types; "vampire" or fangs, "booger-nose", or "upper-lip." However, there are some variations and some are a combination of more than one type.
"Vampire" The "vampire", or fangs, seems to be the most common type. These will show one or more "teeth" coming from the mouth and will be sharp or pointed at the tip.
"Booger-nose" As you can tell from the name this type of clash appears as if it's coming out of the nose.
"Upper-lip" This type will show "teeth" in the area between the mouth and nose. The clash will sometimes extend out into the fields under the nose.
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Other Clash Marks Most "Bugs Bunnies" will have at least one other area besides the mouth or nose that show clash marks. While the "teeth" are the most important clash marks these other clashes add interest to the coin, especially if they're bold and prominent.
Clash marks from E PLURIBUS UNUM along back of the head. 
Clash marks from bell between neck and date.
Clash marks from bell holder below bust. 
Clash mark from back of head through E PLURIBUS UNUM. 
Clash mark from nose below eagle's right wing (viewer's left). 
Clash mark from neck above right side of bell. 
Clash mark from E of LIBERTY on D of DOLLAR. 
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Die Clash Grading
The members of "The Ike Group" have created a die clash grading system that I have adopted for the "Bugs Bunny" variety. Each date will be given a grade of A, B, or C. To read the complete report of this grading system written by "The Ike Group" click here. Grade A: jumps off the coin, sharp, crisp and substantially complete Grade B: visible at most viewing angles and at least mid-sized Grade C: barely visible at a "just right" viewing angle or tiny |
Rarity Ratings
Each "Bugs Bunny" has been given a rarity rating based on my observations and experience of locating each date in any grade. The primary rarity scale being used is Bower's Universal Rarity Scale (URS). Previously, I was using the Sheldon Rarity Scale which will still be listed in parenthesis next to the URS number. Click here to better understand these rarity scales if you're not familiar with them. |
1951 Rarity: URS-9 Grade: Markers: Cross Reference: Reported By: unknown Population: 7
Early Die State
 PCGS MS65
Late Die State
 PCGS "Genuine"
Die Markers
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1953-D Die 1 Rarity: URS-5 Grade: Markers: none noted Cross Reference: Reported By: Greg Lewis Population: 2
Early Die State
 PCGS MS64FBL "Discovery Piece"
Late Die State
 Image courtesy of DM Rare Coins
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1954 Die 2 Rarity: URS-4 Grade: B
Markers: LDS
Cross Reference: Reported By: Brett Parrish
Population: 3
Early Die State
 PCGS MS64 "Discovery Piece"
Die Markers
Late Die State
 PCGS MS64FBL
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1956 Die 2 Rarity: URS-3 Grade: C
Markers: Stage C
Cross Reference: Reported By: Greg Lewis
Population: 1
Die Markers
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1959 Die 1 -EDS: URS-2 (R-8) -LDS: URS-6 (R-6) Grade: Markers: Reported By: unknown Population: 1
Early Die State
 PCGS MS65FBL "Discovery Piece"
 Image courtesy of Tbar
Late Die State
 PCGS MS63FBL
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1961 Die 1 Rarity: URS-2 (R-8) Grade: C Markers: none noted Reported By: DM Rare Coins Population: 0
 Image courtesy of DM Rare Coins
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1961 Die 2 Rarity: URS-2 (R-8) Grade: C Markers: none noted Reported By: DM Rare Coins Population: 0
 Image courtesy of DM Rare Coins
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1962 Die 1 Rarity: URS-2 (R-8) Grade: C Markers: Reported By: DM Rare Coins Population: 0
 Image courtesy of DM Rare Coins
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1963 Rarity: URS-4 (R-7) Grade: B Markers: Population: 4
Early Die State
 ANACS MS64
Die Markers
Late Die State
 PCGS MS64
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