LDB6-1963D-001 BIE Die Break

Description

A classic example of the phenomenon known as a BIE die break, the 1963-D Lincoln Memorial Cent LDB6-1963D-001 displays a small raised vertical line between the letters B and E of LIBERTY on the obverse, created when a die crack or chip developed in the recessed field area between those two letters and filled with metal during striking. BIE die breaks are among the most widely collected minor die varieties on Lincoln cents because they are relatively easy to spot with the naked eye or a low-power magnifier, and they occur across virtually every year in the series, making them a popular focus for date-set collectors who enjoy finding one for each issue. The raised line typically appears as a thin vertical bar connecting the horizontal baseline of the letters, though its exact height, width, and position vary from die to die depending on where the crack or chip formed. This particular example is cataloged as LDB6-1963D-001 and attributed by Cuds on Coins. It is cross-referenced to Hardy 63D-6EHM-1 and noted as Cohen Not Listed, with the listing dated August 28, 2017. The Hardy reference number provides a secondary attribution pathway for collectors who use that catalog system. BIE varieties do not command large premiums but are valued for their visual appeal and their accessibility to collectors at all experience levels. The 1963-D cent was struck at the Denver Mint with a production total of 1,774,020,400 pieces on 95% copper and 5% zinc planchets, carrying Brenner's portrait and Gasparro's Memorial reverse.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Nolan Workman
• Cross reference: Cohen Not Listed, Hardy 63D-6EHM-1. 08/28/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References