LDB4-1956-006 BIE Die Break

Description

Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this 1956 Lincoln Wheat Cent BIE die break is the sixth documented example for the date and carries cross-references to Cohen Pending and Hardy 56P-4F+pending — indicating that attribution in both the Cohen and Hardy BIE classification systems was in progress at the time of documentation. BIE die breaks are a beloved specialty within Lincoln Cent variety collecting: they occur when a small die crack or chip develops between the B and E of LIBERTY on the obverse, creating a raised vertical line on struck coins that resembles the letter I — spelling "BLIE" to the casual observer, though variety collectors understand the extra stroke is a die break rather than an intentional design element. The precise mechanism involves stress fracturing in the die face between the closely spaced letters B and E, where the narrow metal bridge is vulnerable to cracking under the repeated impact of striking operations. The 1956 Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the penultimate year of the wheat ears reverse, with only 1957 and 1958 remaining before the transition to the Memorial reverse. Six documented BIE die breaks for 1956-P indicates active die failure documentation for this late Wheat Cent date. The Hardy classification system uses an alphanumeric code that identifies the mint, die break position, and sub-position, while the Cohen system provides an independent catalog number. The "pending" status on both cross-references suggests that confirmation was awaited from the respective catalogers at the time of documentation. BIE collectors pursue complete date-and-number sets, making each documented example a distinct collectible within this specialized area.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Earl M
• Cross references: Cohen Pending, Hardy 56P-4F+pending.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References