LDB4-1955S-001 BIE Die Break

Description

From the last year San Francisco struck circulation cents until the mint resumed business strike cent production in 1968, this first documented BIE for the 1955-S Lincoln Wheat Cent carries historical weight beyond its die variety significance. Hardy Index 55S-4BL+4 places the raised bar at the back-left sub-position between B and E of LIBERTY with four additional die features, while Cohen Index 55S-B170 provides formal catalog attribution. The back-left positioning and four supplementary features create a variety with moderate diagnostic complexity — enough additional markers to aid attribution without the overwhelming deterioration seen on dies with double-digit supplementary counts. BIE die breaks form when vertical stress fractures develop in the die metal between the incuse letters of LIBERTY, filling with metal during striking to produce a raised bar. San Francisco's final years of circulation cent production — 1954 and 1955 — hold particular interest for die variety collectors because every die variety from these terminal dates represents part of a closing chapter in the mint's cent-making history. The facility would not strike another business strike cent for thirteen years. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, die 001 establishes the baseline for 1955-S BIE documentation at a historically significant San Francisco date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 55S-B170, Hardy 55S-4BL+4. 07/13/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References