1955 Lincoln Wheat Cent - RCD-1c-1955-06R Retained Cud

Description

While 1955 is most famously associated with that dramatic doubled die, the year also generated a range of other die varieties including this sixth documented retained cud. A retained cud develops when a die crack extends to the rim and a section of the die face fractures but remains trapped in the cavity, impressing a raised shapeless mass onto each planchet. The cent was struck from standard 95% copper, 5% tin-zinc bronze in the penultimate years of the Wheat Cent design. Collectors specializing in 1955 die varieties find retained cuds from this year particularly appealing because the date carries strong associations with dramatic die errors. While a retained cud operates through an entirely different mechanism than a doubled die, both reflect stresses inherent in high-volume production.

External References