LDB4-1955S-004A BIE Die Break

Description

Designated LDB4-1955S-004A with a 4F+ classification, this 1955-S Lincoln Wheat Cent BIE die break is the first of a documented three-stage progression. BIE die breaks are a popular collecting specialty within the Lincoln Cent series—they occur when a vertical die crack or break forms between the B and E of LIBERTY, creating a raised line resembling the letter I. The "F+" designation indicates a full break extending both above the highest level and below the lowest level of the surrounding letters, representing a well-developed stage of die failure. Cross-referenced as Cohen 54S-B604 and Hardy 54S-4F+2, this variety is tracked through three progressive die states: Stage 1 (Cohen 55S-604) shows a die chip at the right wheat stalk, Stage 2 (Cohen 55S-605) develops a die crack at the left wheat stalk, and Stage 3 (Cohen 55S-606) adds a die crack at the right wheat stalk. The LDB4 prefix places this in Lincoln Die Break category 4 within the Cuds on Coins organizational system. Multi-stage progressions like this one allow collectors to study how die deterioration advances through a production run.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 54S-B604, Hardy 54S-4F+2. 07/23/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References