LDB4-1950-002 BIE Die Break

Description

Bearing two independent cross-references — Cohen 50-B501 and Hardy 50P-4F-5 — this 1950 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent displays a BIE die break at position 4 within the LIBERTY legend, producing the characteristic raised vertical bar between adjacent letters. Cuds on Coins cataloged the variety as LDB4-1950-002, and the dual cross-referencing in both the Cohen and Hardy systems provides robust attribution support across multiple reference frameworks. The Hardy classification 50P-4F-5 encodes the year, mint, position, and sequence within Jerry Hardy's comprehensive BIE index. Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Wheat Cents from 1950 were struck on the traditional 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc bronze composition that would continue through 1982, and the relatively hard bronze planchets contributed to die wear patterns that differ from later copper-plated zinc issues. BIE die breaks on Wheat Cents are eagerly sought by variety collectors because the classic reverse design combined with the pre-1959 obverse provides historical context that enhances the appeal of these accessible die varieties.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references:  Cohen 50-B501, Hardy 50P-4F-5. 03/10/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References