PC-1c-1862-07R Die Break

Description

Cataloged by Cuds on Coins as PC-1c-1862-07R, this die break variety appears on the 1862 Indian Head Cent, the seventh documented reverse die break for the date. Die breaks occur when accumulated stress causes a portion of the working die to fracture, and the resulting gap in the die face allows planchet metal to flow into the void during striking, producing a raised area of unstruck or partially struck metal on the finished coin. The location and shape of each break is unique to the specific die and fracture event, making die breaks individually identifiable varieties. The 1862 Indian Head Cent was struck at Philadelphia in the copper-nickel composition of 88% copper and 12% nickel that defined the series from 1860 through 1864. This alloy was notably harder than the bronze that would replace it, imposing greater stress on dies during each striking cycle and contributing to a higher incidence of die failures. Produced during the second year of the Civil War, the 1862 cent saw heavy demand as the public began hoarding coins amid economic uncertainty, pushing the Mint to extend die usage and tolerate greater deterioration before retiring working dies from service.

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