1862 Indian Head Cent Obverse Rim Cud (12 to 4 o'clock)

Description

A large rim cud is visible on the obverse of this 1862 Indian Head cent. A rim cud represents the loss of part of the die's rim gutter: on the coin it appears as a raised interruption in the design rim that tracks the rim's course. In this case, the cud spans from 12 o'clock to 4 o'clock on the obverse. Additionally, two die cracks are visible on the reverse emanating from the middle arrow and upper wreath areas. The 1862 Indian Head cent was struck during the Civil War when cent hoarding was rampant. Dies were used well beyond their normal lifespan, making die deterioration varieties relatively common for this year.