1971 (D) Kennedy Half Dollar - PC-50c-1971D-02 Pre-Cud

Description

Second pre-cud documented for the 1971 Denver Mint Kennedy Half Dollar, cataloged on the same date as PC-50c-1971D-01, indicating both were identified during a single research session. A pre-cud shows the developing crack in the die rim that would eventually progress to a full cud — the stage before the fractured piece separates entirely. Once the fragment breaks away, it leaves a cavity that fills with metal during striking to produce a featureless raised mass. The simultaneous cataloging of two pre-cuds from the same date suggests either that multiple dies developed rim fractures during the 1971-D production run, or that a single die exhibited cracks at different rim positions. The 1971-D was the inaugural year of the copper-nickel clad Kennedy Half Dollar in its current composition, struck at Denver in substantial quantity. PC-50c-1971D-02 is cataloged by Cuds on Coins. Multiple pre-cuds from one date demonstrate the systemic nature of die rim stress during high-volume production, where repeated striking forces gradually weaken the die rim until fractures develop.

Cross References

• PC-50c-1971D-02; none. 01/01/2016.

External References