LDB4-1957-008 BIE Die Break

Description

The LDB4-1957-008 is a BIE die break variety found on the 1957 Lincoln Wheat cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint. BIE die breaks are a beloved collecting specialty within the Lincoln cent series, referring to die breaks that occur between the letters B-I-E of LIBERTY on the obverse, creating a raised vertical bar or bump that resembles an extra letter. This particular variety is classified as 4DL+, meaning the break extends half or more but less than three-quarters of the letter height and projects below the lowest level of the surrounding letters. The coin weighs 3.1 grams, measures 19 mm in diameter, and is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin-and-zinc, the standard wheat cent composition. Cross-referenced as Hardy 57P-4DL+ with a Cohen catalog number pending as of the July 21, 2015 documentation date, this variety was cataloged by the Cuds on Coins reference project founded by dedicated die break enthusiasts. The classification system used for BIE varieties is precise: breaks are measured relative to the letter height and their extension above or below the letter baseline, with designations like DL+ (downward large plus), BH+ (break height plus extending above), F+ (full break extending both directions), and S (semi die break). Victor David Brenner's enduring Lincoln cent obverse, in continuous use since 1909, features the word LIBERTY positioned along the rim where die stress concentrations make it especially prone to these characteristic fractures during extended die service.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen Pending, Hardy 57P-4DL+. 07/21/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References