1887 Indian Head Cent - RCD-1c-1887-03R Retained Cud

Description

The third retained cud documented from 1887 Indian Head Cent reverse dies, RCD-1c-1887-03R represents a different working die from the 02R variety — each sequence number identifies a distinct die that developed its own independent rim fracture. Multiple retained cuds from the same date demonstrate the systemic nature of die failure: when production volume is high (45,226,483 cents in 1887) and die steel has inherent limitations, rim cracking becomes a statistical inevitability across the pool of working dies. What distinguishes a retained cud from a standard die crack is the severity: the crack has penetrated deeply enough to free a rim segment from the die entirely, but that segment is held in place rather than falling out. Coins struck from such a die display a raised, slightly irregular area with the original design still present on top, unlike the bare, design-free surface of a full cud. The Indian Head Cent's bronze composition (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) produced dies that typically lasted longer than the earlier copper-nickel formulation, yet the sheer 1887 production volume ensured multiple die casualties. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins. Examine the reverse rim at a different location from the 02R variety to identify this distinct retained fracture from a separate working die.

External References