1914 (D) Lincoln Wheat Cent Rim Cud (Reverse, Two Locations)

Description

This 1914-D Lincoln Wheat cent exhibits two rim cuds on the reverse, one positioned over the second U in UNUM and another just north of the 3 o'clock position. A rim cud represents the loss of part of the die's rim gutter: on the coin it appears as a raised interruption in the design rim that tracks the rim's course. The presence of two rim cuds at different positions around the rim indicates progressive die deterioration, with the die losing its rim gutter at two separate points. The coin was struck in 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams with a 19 mm diameter. Error and variety coins on the 1914-D are particularly scarce given the low original mintage, and rim cuds on this date represent a significant discovery for error collectors. Victor David Brenner's wheat ears reverse design provides the backdrop for these die breaks: one rim cud sits in the rim over the second U in UNUM, and the second, near 3 o'clock, sits in the rim beside the right wheat ear. Multiple rim cuds on a single die suggest the die was allowed to continue in service despite significant structural failure, possibly because the low production volumes at Denver in 1914 created pressure to maximize die life. The combination of key date status, two rim cuds, and the historical significance of the 1914-D date makes this a remarkable variety that bridges the worlds of key date collecting and error coin collecting in a single piece.