LDB4-1955S-007E BIE Die Break

Description

Seventh BIE die break cataloged for the 1955 San Francisco Lincoln Wheat Cent, with E denoting a sub-variety, LDB4-1955S-007E carries special significance as a product of the final year San Francisco struck Wheat Cents for circulation. After 1955, the S-mint ceased cent production until resuming with proof issues, making every 1955-S Wheat Cent a terminal-year collectible. The BIE phenomenon manifests as a raised vertical bar between B and E in LIBERTY, formed when a die crack develops in the field between these letter recesses and fills with metal during striking. San Francisco's lower production volumes compared to Philadelphia and Denver meant fewer dies were consumed, accounting for the modest count of seven BIE varieties versus the dozens cataloged for Denver. The E sub-variety suffix indicates a distinct die state or positional variant. Cuds on Coins records BIE breaks under the LDB4 prefix. Struck on 95% copper planchets at 19mm, the 1955-S bears an S mintmark below the date. Look for the raised vertical bar between B and E in LIBERTY.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Keith Christenson
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References