LDB4-1954S-001D BIE Die Break

Description

On a 1954-S Lincoln Wheat Cent, LDB4-1954S-001D documents a BIE die break — the popular collecting specialty focused on die cracks or chips that create a raised vertical mark between the B and E of LIBERTY, resembling the letter I. BIE breaks occur when a section of the die field between these letters deteriorates, and the resulting void fills with metal during striking to produce the characteristic raised "I" shape. This variety is cross-referenced as Cohen Pre 54S-B624 and Hardy 54S-4F+1, placing it within two of the major BIE die break reference systems that have cataloged hundreds of these varieties across the Wheat Cent series. Stage 5 of this die develops a die crack between the 9 and 5 in the date, providing an additional diagnostic for specimens struck later in the die's working life. The 1954-S was the penultimate San Francisco Mint Wheat Cent — the S mint would produce its last Wheat Cents in 1955 before the facility ceased cent production. BIE varieties are among the most accessible die errors for beginning collectors, as they are visually distinctive and widely documented. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Louis A
• Cross references: Cohen Pre 54S-B624, Hardy 54S-4F+1. 05/22/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References