1937 Lincoln Wheat Cent - RCD-1c-1937-01R Retained Cud

Description

Designated RCD-1c-1937-01R by Cuds on Coins, this retained cud is the first documented example of its type for the 1937 Lincoln Wheat Cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint. A retained cud occurs when a die crack propagates to the rim and a wedge-shaped fragment breaks completely free but remains mechanically captured within the die assembly. Unlike a full cud where the broken piece falls away leaving a plain raised lump, the retained fragment continues to impress the design it bears, often raised above or slightly out of line with the rest. The 1937 Philadelphia cent was struck without a mintmark from 95% copper, 5% tin-zinc bronze standard for the era. Philadelphia's production was substantial, reflecting continuing economic recovery from the Great Depression. As the sole retained cud cataloged for this date and mint, RCD-1c-1937-01R holds a unique position in the 1937 die variety census. Collectors who pursue retained cuds value them for the visual drama of the retained fragment and the insight they provide into terminal stages of die failure.

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