LDB6-1962-001 Die Break

Description

Recorded under the proof-strike parent for the 1962 Lincoln Memorial Cent, this entry documents the same LDB6-1962-001 die break variety that appears in the business strike catalog — a BIE die break positioned between the B and E of LIBERTY in the standard LDB6 location within the Cuds on Coins classification system. On proof coinage, die breaks carry a particular fascination for collectors because the mirror-like fields and frosted design elements of a proof surface make even minor die flaws dramatically more visible than on a business strike, where bag marks and circulation wear can obscure subtle raised lines. The 1962 proof cents were produced at the Philadelphia Mint on polished planchets, struck multiple times with polished dies to achieve full design detail and the deep cameo contrast sought by collectors. When a die flaw such as a BIE crack develops on a proof die, the Mint's quality-control standards may catch it quickly, limiting the number of specimens that escape into proof sets — which in turn tends to make proof BIE varieties scarcer than their business strike counterparts despite the proof production environment's generally lower output. Hardy references the underlying die as 62P-SBHM.V, and Cohen does not list the variety separately. The 1962 proof mintage of 3,075,645 sets places this issue in the last year of the original 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc alloy before the composition was simplified. Attributed by Cuds on Coins, with cross-references to Cohen (Not Listed) and Hardy 62P-SBHM.V.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Earl Williams
• Cross reference: Cohen Not Listed, Hardy 62P-SBHM.V04/01/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References