SHD-1c-1863-01R Shattered Die

Description

Extensive reverse die cracking radiating across the surface of an 1863 Indian Head Cent die produced SHD-1c-1863-01R, the first documented reverse shattered die for this Civil War-era date. Shattered dies represent an advanced stage of die deterioration where multiple cracks propagate and intersect, creating a network of raised lines on struck coins distinguishing the variety from single die cracks or localized breaks. The web-like pattern results from accumulated fatigue as the die steel endures repeated impact cycles until fractures spread across the entire working surface. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this business strike was produced at Philadelphia in the copper-nickel composition of 88% copper and 12% nickel that defined Indian Head Cents from 1860 through 1864. The alloy's hardness transmitted substantial forces back into the die, accelerating fatigue crack propagation. Civil War pressures compounded the problem, as Philadelphia extended die service lives to maintain output during severe coin hoarding. The intersection of hard planchets, overworked dies, and wartime demand created ideal conditions for the catastrophic multi-crack failure that defines a shattered die.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Newman
• Cross reference: none. 02/01/2018.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References