LDB4-1956-002D BIE Die Break

Description

Carrying the sub-variant suffix "D" within the 002 die break group for the 1956 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent, this BIE die break represents one stage or position of a multi-break die that produced several cataloged variants under the same parent number. The sub-letter system indicates that die 002 developed fractures at multiple distinct locations or exhibited recognizable progression stages, with each receiving its own catalog suffix for precise attribution. Cross-referenced as LDB4-1956-002D with Cohen number 56-B613, this variety was documented on 05/28/2016. BIE die breaks form in the thin die steel between the recessed letters of LIBERTY on Lincoln Cent obverse dies, where stress concentrations from repeated striking cause micro-fractures that fill with metal to produce raised vertical bars on struck coins. The 1956 Philadelphia Mint cent was produced in large quantities — over 420 million pieces — without a mint mark, as was Philadelphia's convention throughout the Wheat Cent era. With three years remaining before the Wheat Cent's retirement, die production for the design was well-established, yet the inherent stress vulnerability of the LIBERTY inscription continued producing BIE breaks at a steady rate. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, the 002D sub-variant reflects the meticulous documentation standards of BIE researchers who track individual dies through their complete deterioration sequences, recording each distinguishable fracture state as a separate catalog entry.

Attribution History

• Cross reference number:  LDB4-1956-002D, Cohen 56-B613. 05/28/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References