LDB4-1954D-002 BIE Die Break

Description

Cataloged under Cohen Index 54D-B105 and Hardy Index 54D-4SBL+2, this second documented BIE die break for the 1954 Denver Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent occupies the small-back-left sub-position — a classification indicating the raised bar is relatively compact in size and situated toward the rear-left of the space between B and E of LIBERTY. The Hardy code's "SB" prefix for "small-back" distinguishes this from full-sized BIE breaks, suggesting the die crack was either shorter than typical or produced a narrower raised bar on the struck coin. Two additional features accompany the primary BIE, providing secondary attribution markers. BIE die breaks are a specialized collecting area within Lincoln Wheat Cents: vertical cracks develop in the die between the letters of LIBERTY and fill with metal during striking, producing raised bars that resemble an extra letter I. The small-back-left positioning makes this variety physically distinct from front or center BIEs on other 1954-D dies. Denver's mid-1950s cent production generated heavy die consumption, ensuring a steady supply of deterioration varieties for researchers to document. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this dual-indexed variety carries confirmed attribution in both the Cohen and Hardy reference systems.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 54D-B105, Hardy 54D-4SBL+2. 11/172017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References