1869 Shield Nickel - RCD-5c-1869-07 Retained Cud

Description

RCD-5c-1869-07 documents a working die that developed a retained rim break during Shield Nickel production at the Philadelphia Mint in 1869. Each numbered entry in the catalog represents a distinct working die with its own crack geometry, meaning RCD-07 shows a fracture in a different location or with a different extent than RCD-05 or RCD-08 from the same year. Retained cuds fall between a full cud, where the die piece falls out entirely and leaves a raised mass with no design, and a simple die crack that has not yet reached the rim. The retained fragment continues striking coins but produces progressively deteriorating impressions in the affected area as repeated blows cause the cracked piece to shift further. James B. Longacre designed the Shield Nickel series, which debuted in 1866 as the first five-cent nickel coin, replacing the earlier half dime. Struck at 5.0 grams in 75% copper and 25% nickel. The catalog code follows Cuds on Coins format: RCD for retained cud, 5c for denomination, 1869 for year, and 07 as the catalog number.

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