LDB4-1955S-009A BIE Die Break

Description

Representing the first documented die state of Die 009 from the 1955 San Francisco Mint, LDB4-1955S-009A carries Hardy code 55S-4SBL+1 — a Small Back-Left BIE fracture between B and E of LIBERTY with 1 additional die break. The suffix "A" denotes the earliest recorded die state, capturing this die near the beginning of its deterioration progression. Cohen assigns this variety cross-reference BA153, providing a secondary attribution anchor. San Francisco's 1955 Lincoln Wheat Cent holds special significance as the final S-mint circulation cent ever produced, with a comparatively modest mintage of 44.61 million pieces before San Francisco shifted exclusively to proof coinage for the denomination. This end-of-era status gives all 1955-S varieties added collector appeal. The SBL sub-code places the break in the Small Back-Left quadrant of the B-E gap, distinguishing it from the Down-Left breaks that predominate among Denver issues. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, the 009A die state documents the initial BIE fracture and its single companion break before the die accumulated the additional damage recorded in later states of this same die.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 55S-BA153, Hardy 55S-4SBL+1. 10/01/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References