LDB4-1954S-003B BIE Die Break

Description

Die state B on this 1954 San Francisco Mint BIE indicates the variety has been documented at a later stage of die life than its initial state A — the "B" suffix tracking how the break evolved as the die continued in production. Hardy Index 54S-4FL+ places the raised bar at the far-left boundary of the BIE zone between B and E of LIBERTY, with additional features noted by the "+" suffix. The far-left position means this break formed near the edge of the inter-letter space closest to the B, a placement that can sometimes make the BIE visually merge with the letter itself on heavily struck specimens. Cohen Index 54S-B504 provides the Cohen catalog reference, establishing dual-system documentation alongside the Hardy classification. Die state tracking is fundamental to BIE research: the same die can produce noticeably different impressions as cracks widen, new breaks develop, and the die surface wears, so documenting each stage creates a timeline of the die's working life. The 1954-S cent was among the last circulation cents San Francisco would produce for over a decade, as the mint ceased business strike cent production after 1955. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this later die state offers collectors the opportunity to compare early versus advanced BIE formation on a scarce S-mint date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 54S-B504, Hardy 54S-4FL+. 02/23/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References