LDB4-1954S-009 BIE Die Break

Description

Carrying the Cohen classification BA204 — a designation within the Cohen Index's BA section that relates to a specific organizational grouping for BIE varieties — this ninth documented BIE die for the 1954 San Francisco Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent stands out for its Hardy sub-position: 54S-4SBL, or small-back-left. The "SB" modifier indicates the raised bar produced by this die crack is smaller than a standard BIE, occupying a compact footprint within the back-left area of the space between B and E of LIBERTY. Small BIE breaks can be more challenging to detect on circulated specimens, since the reduced size of the raised bar makes it easier to overlook without magnification. Unlike many of its companion 1954-S dies, this variety carries no "+" suffix, suggesting the die developed its BIE in relative isolation from other deterioration — a cleaner single-feature break without the accompanying web of secondary cracks seen on more heavily damaged dies. The small-back-left placement positions this break toward the E side and lower portion of the inter-letter space, giving it a distinctly different visual profile from front or center positioned BIEs. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, the BA204 Cohen classification anchors this die in the reference literature alongside its Hardy attribution.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 54S-BA204, Hardy 54S-4SBL. 11/17/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References