LDB345-1952-001 Die Break

Description

This proof Lincoln Wheat Cent die break is cataloged in the Cuds on Coins numbering system as an "IIBIEIR" — their locator code LDB345, identifying the specific position of the break relative to the obverse design elements L, I, B, E, R, T, and Y of LIBERTY. Cross-referenced as Cohen 52-BA60 and Hardy 52P-3&4Mul+1, placing this variety within two established classification frameworks for Lincoln Cent die breaks. As a proof issue, this 1952 cent was struck at Philadelphia on specially prepared planchets using polished dies, and die breaks on proof coins are particularly notable because the controlled striking environment and limited production runs mean fewer specimens exist compared to business strike die breaks. The Cohen and Hardy references provide precise identification within their respective catalogs: Cohen 52-BA60 locates the break within Cohen's organizational system, while Hardy 52P-3&4Mul+1 identifies the die pair and break progression. Die breaks occur when a section of the die fractures, allowing metal to fill the void and creating a raised area on the struck coin. On proof surfaces, such raised irregularities contrast sharply with the mirror-like fields.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 52-BA60, Hardy 52P-3&4Mul+1. 02/27/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References