SHD-5c-1883-02R Shattered Die

Description

Cataloged by Cuds on Coins as the second documented reverse shattered die for the 1883 Liberty Head Nickel "With CENTS" type, this variety preserves a dramatic example of catastrophic die failure where cracks spread across the entire die face rather than remaining confined to a single area. A shattered die occurs when the accumulated stress from repeated striking causes multiple interconnecting cracks to radiate across the die surface, producing a web-like pattern of raised lines on the struck coin that can span from rim to rim in multiple directions. Unlike a single die crack or a cud where one portion of the die fails, a shattered die represents the terminal stage of die life — the point at which the die has fractured so extensively that it should be retired from service. The 1883 Liberty Head Nickel holds a unique place in American numismatic history: the "No CENTS" variety was produced first that year, but when unscrupulous individuals began gold-plating them and passing them as five-dollar gold pieces, the Mint quickly added "CENTS" to the reverse, creating the "With CENTS" subtype on which this shattered die was found. The "R" suffix in the catalog number confirms this is a reverse die failure. Liberty Head Nickels were designed by Charles Barber and struck from 1883 through 1912.

Attribution History

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

External References