RCD-5c-1868-03 Retained Cud

Description

Cataloged by Cuds on Coins as the third documented retained cud variety for the 1868 Shield Nickel date, the RCD-5c-1868-03 represents another instance of rim die failure where the broken fragment stayed in position during striking. The presence of multiple retained cuds from a single date — this being the third cataloged for 1868 — suggests that die quality or longevity may have been a recurring issue for this year's production at the Philadelphia Mint. James B. Longacre's shield obverse design features high-relief elements that placed significant stress on the dies during striking, potentially contributing to the frequency of rim breaks. Each retained cud produces a unique pattern of raised crack lines and partially preserved design detail, making individual specimens distinguishable even within the same catalog number. Collectors of Shield Nickel die varieties can compare the location, extent, and character of the retained break between RCD-5c-1868-02 and RCD-5c-1868-03 to understand how different dies fail under similar production conditions.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ray Leham
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References