LDB3-1955D-001B BIE Die Break

Description

Among the most popular die break varieties unique to the Lincoln Cent series, BIE die breaks occur when a small crack develops in the die between the letters B and E of LIBERTY, producing a raised vertical line on struck coins that resembles an extra letter I between B and E. LDB3-1955D-001B documents a specific BIE occurrence on the 1955 Denver Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent, with the "B" suffix indicating this is the second die stage — the break below the B has grown larger compared to stage 1, showing progressive die deterioration during continued production. The 1955-D date is significant beyond its BIE variety, as the Philadelphia Mint's 1955 doubled die obverse (the famous DDO) has made the entire 1955 date a magnet for variety collectors. Cross-referenced as Cohen 55D-B55 and Hardy 55D-3SBL+2, the dual attribution under both the Cohen and Hardy BIE classification systems provides independent confirmation. Discovery was documented on November 13, 2015, and the variety was cataloged by Cuds on Coins, which maintains the comprehensive database of Lincoln Cent die break varieties including BIEs, cuds, and retained interior die breaks.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 55D-B55, Hardy 55D-3SBL+2. 11/13/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References