LDB4-1964D-001 BIE Die Break

Description

Cross-referenced as Cohen NL and Hardy 64D-4SCM-NL (cataloged 10/05/2023), the LDB4-1964D-001 BIE Die Break documents a specimen of the distinctive BIE die break phenomenon that is unique to the Lincoln cent series. A BIE die break occurs when a die crack or die chip develops between the letters B and E of LIBERTY on the obverse, creating a raised vertical line that resembles the letter "I" — making LIBERTY appear to read "BLIBERTY" at first glance. The phenomenon results from the close spacing of the B and E in the LIBERTY inscription on Lincoln cent dies, which creates a narrow web of die steel between the two letters that is particularly susceptible to cracking under the repeated stress of striking. When this web fractures, the crack fills with metal during the next strike, producing the characteristic raised "I" shape. BIE die breaks are among the most popularly collected Lincoln cent varieties due to their visual distinctiveness and relative accessibility across many dates, and they have generated a dedicated collecting community with systematic catalogs organized by date and mint mark. The Cohen and Hardy cross-references connect this variety to two independent attribution systems, providing collectors with multiple reference points for verification. The 1964-D date, with 3,799,071,500 business strikes at the Denver Mint, consumed an extraordinary number of obverse dies, and the statistical likelihood of BIE die breaks occurring among them was correspondingly high. Struck on a 95% copper and 5% tin-zinc planchet weighing 3.11 grams at 19mm diameter.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Gianfala
• Cross reference: Cohen NL, Hardy 64D-4SCM-NL. 10/05/2023.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References