LDB4-1955S-009C BIE Die Break

Description

Classified under Hardy code 55S-4SBL+2 — designating a Small Back-Left break at position 4 with two additional features — this 1955 San Francisco BIE die break carries Cohen designation 55S-BA155. The "SBL" descriptor indicates a smaller break than the standard BL (Back-Left) varieties documented for this date, positioned toward the back-left of the interstitial space between the B and E of LIBERTY. The "C" suffix on die number 009C marks this as a sub-variant within the 009 grouping. Cohen BA155 places this variety well into the upper range of Cohen's 1955-S BIE catalog, suggesting a substantial total count of documented varieties for this low-mintage date — remarkable given San Francisco's production of only 44.6 million cents in 1955. The two additional features accompanying the primary BIE indicate a die with moderate secondary deterioration, consistent with the +2 count seen in several companion 1955-S entries. As the last San Francisco cent until 1968, every 1955-S die variety carries the added significance of documenting the final production run from a facility that would not strike cents again for thirteen years.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 55S-BA155, Hardy 55S-4SBL+2. 10/02/2015
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References