1955 (D) Lincoln Wheat Cent - LDB4-1955D-005 BIE Die Break

Description

Sharing the identical Hardy position code 55D-4DL+ with die 004, this second Down-Left BIE variety on the 1955 Denver Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent originated from a physically separate die — confirmed by its distinct catalog number. When two dies carry the same position code and additional-feature indicator, the differences lie in the break's exact geometry: the precise angle, width, and length of the raised bar, as well as the location of the single supplementary feature. These die-specific characteristics serve as the diagnostic markers that distinguish one 4DL+ die from another under examination. Denver's 1955 cent production of 563.3 million pieces required hundreds of working dies over the course of the year, making duplicate position codes across different dies statistically inevitable. The Cohen Index has not yet cataloged this die, and attribution relies on the Hardy reference system. BIE breaks at the Down-Left position appear frequently among 1955-D dies — a recurring pattern that suggests this zone of the die layout may have been structurally predisposed to fracture under the repeated stresses of high-volume striking. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins.

Cross References

• Cross references: Cohen Not Listed, Hardy 55D-4DL+. 07/19/2015.

External References