RCD-1c-1972D-01 Retained Cud

Description

First retained cud documented for the 1972-D Lincoln Memorial cent, RCD-1c-1972D-01 captures a fascinating intermediate state in die failure: the die rim fractured completely — as in a standard cud — but the broken fragment remained seated in its original position rather than falling away from the die body. The Cuds on Coins attribution team cataloged this variety on October 1, 2013, with no external cross-references established. Retained cuds produce a distinctive appearance that differs from both ordinary cuds and intact dies. Because the fragment has separated but remains in place, it strikes coins with subtly different characteristics than the surrounding die face — the fragment may sit slightly proud or recessed, it may tilt under striking pressure, and it no longer receives the same mechanical support from the die body. The result on struck coins is often a defined area bounded by a raised crack line where the fracture occurred, with the interior showing slightly altered relief, texture, or sharpness compared to the adjacent design. Some retained cuds exhibit the fragment shifting progressively with each strike, creating early and late die state specimens that document the fragment's migration before its eventual loss. For the 1972-D Lincoln cent, whose dies endured production runs measured in the millions of impressions, a retained cud represents a remarkable survival — the fragment held in place by friction, residual interlocking surfaces, or collar support rather than ejecting immediately upon fracture. Collectors value retained cuds for their rarity and for the metallurgical story they preserve.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Shields
• Cross reference: none. 10/01/2013.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References