LDB6-1944D-001 BIE Die Break

Description

Distinguished from the more common position 4 BIE die breaks by its LDB6 prefix, this variety formed at position 6 in the Hardy classification system — a different location along the LIBERTY inscription on a 1944 Denver Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent. Hardy sub-classification 46D-6SCLM identifies the precise fracture point within this less frequently documented position. The 1944-D cent holds particular significance as part of the transition back to the standard copper-alloy composition after the unique zinc-coated steel cents of 1943, which were struck to conserve copper for wartime munitions production. Shell casings recovered from military operations provided much of the copper for 1944 cent production, giving these coins the informal designation of "shell case cents." This is the first documented BIE at position 6 for the 1944-D date, not yet listed in the Cohen Index. A BIE die break occurs when a vertical crack develops in the die between letters in LIBERTY, filling with metal during striking to produce a raised bar. Position 6 BIEs are considerably scarcer in the catalog than position 4 varieties, making this a noteworthy discovery for BIE specialists. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Josh Mangham
• Cross references: Cohen NL, Hardy 46D-6SCLM. 11/05/2020
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References