LDB4-1950-001 Die Break

Description

Occurring on a proof coin with one of the lowest mintages of the late Wheat Cent era, this die break on the 1950 Proof Lincoln Cent carries exceptional significance for die variety collectors. Hardy classification 50P-4SF identifies the break as a stage 4 south face fracture — a designation within the Hardy system that maps die breaks to specific zones of Lincoln's portrait, with "south face" indicating the lower facial area. Cohen lists no number for this variety. Only 51,386 proof cents were struck in 1950, a figure dramatically lower than the business strike mintage that makes any documented die variety on a 1950 proof remarkably scarce. Proof coins are struck twice on polished planchets using specially prepared dies, and the additional striking force increases stress on the die surface, paradoxically making die failures more consequential on coins that represent the highest quality of manufacture. LDB4-1950-001 is cataloged by Cuds on Coins. The convergence of low proof mintage, proof striking pressure, and a documented Hardy classification makes this variety one of the more desirable die breaks in the Lincoln Wheat Cent proof series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references:  Cohen Not listed, Hardy 50P-4SF. 07/16/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References