LDB4-1956-009C Die Break

Description

Cross-referencing systems for proof die varieties employ fundamentally different organizational principles, and this ninth die break variety for the 1956 proof Lincoln Wheat Cent illustrates the contrast: Cohen catalogs by die marriage — assigning 56-B518, a notably lower number than other entries in this group — while Hardy maps by crack position, designating 56P-4FL+9 based on the fracture's physical location on the die face. The Cohen B518 number, being lower than the B610-B650 range of other 1956 proof die breaks, reflects Cohen's sequential organization where numbering follows die marriage identification order rather than crack location. Hardy's 4FL prefix, shared with the 004B variety, places this crack in the same general die zone but at position +9 rather than +5, indicating a distinct fracture point within that region. Cataloged as LDB4-1956-009C, the "C" sub-variety designation means this die crack had progressed through at least three identifiable stages. Nine distinct die break varieties documented for a single proof date — each with independent Cohen and Hardy cross-references — demonstrates the depth of specialized cataloging applied to proof Lincoln Cent die states.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Earl M
• Cross references: Cohen 56-B518, Hardy 56P-4FL+9.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References