LDB3-1955D-005 BIE Die Break

Description

Classified under Hardy code 55D-3SBL+ — indicating a Small Back-Left break at position 3 with additional features — this 1955 Denver Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent carries a BIE die break in the interstitial space between letters in the LIBERTY inscription. Position 3 places the break between a different letter pair than the more commonly collected position 4 varieties, offering a distinct die failure location that broadens the scope of BIE documentation for the date. The "SBL" descriptor tells collectors exactly where to look: a small break situated toward the back-left of the interstitial space, with the "+" suffix signaling at least one additional die anomaly worth noting. Cohen does not list this variety, making the Hardy classification the primary attribution reference. Denver struck 563.3 million Wheat Cents in 1955 — a robust mintage that nonetheless represents one of the final years of production for Victor David Brenner's iconic wheat-ear reverse, which would be retired after 1958. BIE varieties are among the most accessible die break collectibles, and position 3 examples like this one expand the catalog beyond the heavily documented position 4 field.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen Not Listed, Hardy 55D-3SBL+. 11/13/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References