LDB4-1956-009B BIE Die Break

Description

Part of a documented three-stage die progression, this business strike 1956 Lincoln Wheat Cent BIE die break is the second stage of three, carrying the designation LDB4-1956-009B with a 4FL+ classification. BIE die breaks are cracks or chips between the B, I, and E in LIBERTY, producing a raised vertical line resembling an extra letter I — one of the most recognizable Lincoln Cent error types. The three-stage progression traces this die's working life: Stage 1 (Cohen 56-B512) shows the BIE break without a die chip in the R; Stage 2 (Cohen 56-B515) develops a die chip on the R in LIBERTY; Stage 3 (Cohen 56-B518) deteriorates further with a chip on the 9, a large chip on the T, and two die cracks on Lincoln's skull. Cross-referenced as Cohen 56-B515 and Hardy 56P-4FL+2, this second stage represents the die at a middle point where the R chip has appeared but Stage 3 damage has not yet developed. Collectors who locate all three stages can reconstruct the complete failure sequence of a single die.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Earl M
• Cross references: Cohen 56-B515, Hardy 56P-4FL+2.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References