1952 (S) Lincoln Wheat Cent - RCD-1c-1952S-09R Retained Cud

Description

A reverse die crack running from the rim into the left wheat stalk distinguishes this ninth documented retained cud for the 1952 San Francisco Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent. Unlike a full cud where the broken die fragment drops out entirely, a retained cud occurs when the fractured piece breaks free but stays at its original position, usually held there by the collar, so the struck coin shows a raised area at the rim that still bears its design. The "R" suffix designates this as a reverse die variety. San Francisco struck approximately 137.8 million cents in 1952, the last year before the branch mint's cent production was suspended during 1953-1954. This made 1952-S cents the final substantial San Francisco Wheat Cent issue of the early 1950s, and die pairs were pushed through extended runs to meet production targets. The die crack path into the left wheat stalk indicates the fracture originated at a stress concentration point where the intricate wheat ear design created thinner sections of die steel. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this variety is part of the extensive documentation of die break progression on Lincoln Wheat Cents from the series' final decade of production.

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