Searched 20 rolls of nickels today. Zero silver, but found a weird 1999 P variation?

[FreeBirdTim]

I don't know if this coin is common or not, but it's all I found in my 20 roll nickel search today. On the reverse of one of my 1999 P nickels, Monticello appears to have flames coming out of the top of the building! I don't think it's a cud, but I could be wrong. Looks like it was part of the design to me. Was someone at the mint messing around with Jefferson nickels in 1999? Last day of work mischief?

Any opinions on this coin would be appreciated. I found 10 other 1999 P nickels in my search and none of them had the flames coming out of the building. Could be my imagination, but I had to post this one!

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Sorry, having trouble uploading the photos!

 

[port ewen ace]

it's a mild die clash error. the "flames" are the hair bow. found on P mint '83- '01 Jeffs

 

[enamel7]

Port nailed it!

 

[KirkS]

I think it looks cool!

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Thanks, port ewen ace! I'm not a big coin collector, so I'm not familiar with die clashes. Had to Google it for more info. Not a rare variation, but still cool!

 

[port ewen ace]

more defined ones will have obverse lines at back of head & at hair bow, a bold line at left of dome, a line thru MO to FI & thru LO to TS. I've sold nickle clashes for $2 up to $25 for radical versions. most clashes are on P mint coins____ the Philly Mint QC sucks---or the staff are just lazy easiest way to interpret how a clash will appear is hold 2 of same type coins above each other with both reverses lined up in orientation. when you look at the space between both coins you are seeing how the obverse die would strike the reverse die if there were no blank in the press. just remember that the die is a negative image of the coin's image. sounds convoluted but your brain will decipher it, and all these words will make perfect sense. kinda' like what ya' hear on the news, just flip it around to opposite of what the "reporter" says---- and that would be the reality

Thanks, port ewen ace! I'm not a big coin collector, so I'm not familiar with die clashes. Had to Google it for more info. Not a rare variation, but still cool!

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Well, two bucks (or more) for a five cent coin isn't bad! LOL! I think I'll stick to searching dimes and quarters for now. Thanks for your help and excellent explanation of die clashes.