LDB34-1955S-001 BIE Die Break

Description

Documented by Cuds on Coins, the LDB34-1955S-001 designation identifies a compound die break on a 1955-S Lincoln Wheat Cent that extends beyond a simple BIE break. The LDB34 code indicates this coin is classified as an "IIBIE" under the Cuds on Coins numbering system, meaning it exhibits die breaks at multiple positions within and around the LIBERTY inscription — a compound configuration that affects more letter positions than the single inter-letter break typically associated with a standard BIE variety. Cross-reference checks against Cohen (not listed) and Hardy 55S-3SEL+4DL+ (not listed) as of January 6, 2017, confirm that this particular compound break pattern has not been independently cataloged by other attribution services. BIE die breaks on Lincoln Wheat Cents are among the most actively collected die break varieties in U.S. numismatics. They form when a section of the die surface between letters in LIBERTY fractures and falls away, leaving a void that strikes up as a raised bar or dash on the coin. When multiple positions fracture simultaneously or progressively, the result is a compound break that can affect the appearance of several letters at once. The 1955-S Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck at the San Francisco Mint in standard bronze composition (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) at 3.11 grams, during the penultimate full year of Wheat Cent production before the Memorial reverse debuted in 1959. Victor David Brenner's obverse portrait of Lincoln with its LIBERTY inscription provides the canvas for this multi-position die fracture variety.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Juan Aguerre
• Cross reference: Cohen Not Listed, Hardy 55S-3SEL+4DL+ not listed. 0106/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References