RCD-1c-1863-14R Retained Cud

Description

Cross-referenced as ICN-1863-22R Ret in the Indian Cent Newsletter classification system, this fourteenth documented retained cud on the reverse of an 1863 Indian Head Cent connects two parallel die variety cataloging frameworks. The ICN cross-reference (cataloged January 23, 2019, by Cuds on Coins) indicates that this same variety has been independently documented under a different numbering system, providing collectors with dual attribution pathways. A retained cud occurs when a section of the die rim fractures but the broken piece remains in place rather than separating, producing a cracked and raised area on the struck coin that retains distorted but recognizable design detail. The "R" suffix confirms this fracture occurred on the reverse die, where James Barton Longacre's wreath design on the Indian Head Cent would display the damage. Fourteen reverse retained cuds from the 1863 date is a substantial count, reflecting the stresses placed on dies during Civil War-era production at the Philadelphia Mint. The 1863 cent was struck in copper-nickel composition — a harder alloy than the bronze that replaced it in 1864 — and the additional stress this harder metal placed on die surfaces likely contributed to accelerated rim failure. Civil War-era cents are of particular interest to die variety researchers because the economic disruptions of the period, including widespread coin hoarding that depleted circulation supplies, pushed the Mint to maximize production from every available die, potentially extending die life beyond optimal limits and increasing the likelihood of rim fractures.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Newman
• Cross reference: ICN-1863-22R Ret. 01/23/2019.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References