1793 Chain Cent - Ameri. in Legend - Chain Cent (AMERI. Variety) Reverse Split Die

Description

A split die is visible on the reverse of this 1793 Chain cent of the AMERI. variety. A split die occurs when a die crack extends completely across the face of the die from rim to rim, effectively splitting the die into two or more pieces. The resulting raised line on the struck coin spans the full diameter of the coin. In this case, the crack runs from the rim between the "M" and "E" in "AMERI." through the chains and through the first "T" in "STATES." The 1793 Chain cent was the first large cent produced by the United States Mint, and severe die failures like split dies reflect the Mint's early challenges with die steel quality and production volume.