LDB4-1955S-007B BIE Die Break

Description

Occupying the second position in a six-stage die progression, this BIE die break on the 1955-S Lincoln Wheat Cent carries the 4BL+ designation indicating a large break between the B and I of LIBERTY. The six-stage sequence traces this die from its earliest use through terminal failure. Stage 1, cataloged as Cohen 55S-BA101, shows no die cracks on the lower B in LIBERTY. By Stage 5 the die has developed the retained die break that defines the BIE classification. Stage 6, Cohen 55S-BA107, adds a die crack from the rim to a left wheat die chip. Cohen's reference shows die chips on the date in stages 3 through 5, though samples examined independently do not consistently display these chips. A die dent running from the rim to the left of TRUST has been noted on all five stages in Cohen's published listings, providing a constant marker across the die's entire working life. Cross-referenced as Cohen 55S-BA102 and Hardy 55S-4BL+2, this variety was cataloged by Cuds on Coins researchers who specialize in die break classification and staging.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 55S-BA102, Hardy 55S-4BL+2. 07/29/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References