RCD-1c-1864-05R Retained Cud

Description

Sharing the same catalog designation as the L on Ribbon subtype but struck on the earlier copper-nickel composition, this retained cud on an 1864 Indian Head Cent of the copper-nickel variety documents the same reverse die position (05R) on a different base coin type. The 1864 date saw two distinct Indian Head Cent compositions produced simultaneously — the thicker copper-nickel planchets (88% copper, 12% nickel) that had been standard since 1857, and the new thinner bronze planchets (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) introduced partway through the year. A retained cud preserves the die rim fracture in its intermediate stage, where the broken section remains partially attached rather than separating to form a full cud. The reverse die crack noted by the "black arrow" designation in the Cuds on Coins catalog provides die state context beyond the cud itself. The copper-nickel 1864 Indian Head Cent is a compositional transition piece — the last year of the hard, white-appearing copper-nickel alloy that had proved difficult to strike cleanly, leading Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre to advocate for the switch to softer bronze. The different metallurgical properties of copper-nickel versus bronze planchets could influence how die fractures propagated and whether cracks remained retained or progressed to full separation, making comparison between the two 1864 subtypes potentially informative for understanding die failure mechanics.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Louis A
• Cross reference: none. 05/17/2021.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References