PC-1c-1864-01R Pre-Cud

Description

Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, the PC-1c-1864-01R documents the first reverse pre-cud identified on the 1864 Indian Head Cent with the designer's initial L on the ribbon — a sub-type introduced mid-year when James B. Longacre added his initial L to the lower ribbon behind the Native American portrait. The year 1864 represents a pivotal transition in the Indian Head Cent series: production shifted from the copper-nickel composition used since 1859 to a thinner bronze planchet, and two distinct obverse sub-types were produced — with and without the Longacre L. Pre-cuds are the earliest stage of rim die failure, appearing as raised cracks at the rim that have not yet developed into full cuds where a die fragment separates. The "01R" designation identifies this as the first reverse pre-cud cataloged for this date and sub-type, meaning the crack appeared on James B. Longacre's oak wreath and shield reverse design. Pre-cuds on the L on Ribbon sub-type are of particular numismatic interest because this variety was introduced partway through the year, and die failure patterns on its production help establish whether the later-issued dies experienced different stress profiles compared to the No L dies that preceded them.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Newman
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References