CU-5c-1973D-02 Cud

Description

Alongside its companion cud varieties CU-5c-1973D-01 and -03, this second documented rim break for the 1973-D Jefferson nickel expands the die failure census for a Denver Mint issue that saw 261.4 million nickels produced. Cross-referenced as JNC-73D-3 in the Jefferson nickel cud reference, CU-5c-1973D-02 has been independently verified in that supplementary cataloging system. The three cud varieties documented for the 1973-D nickel suggest a pattern of die rim vulnerability specific to this date-mintmark production run, potentially reflecting die steel characteristics, striking pressure calibrations, or other production variables at the Denver facility during that year. Jefferson nickels from the early 1970s were struck on the cupro-nickel clad planchets that have been standard since the denomination's introduction, and the relatively harder nickel alloy creates higher stress concentrations at the die rim compared to softer copper planchets used for cents. When the accumulated stress exceeds the die steel's fracture threshold, a rim section breaks away, and subsequent strikes drive planchet metal into the void, creating the raised featureless blob characteristic of a cud. Each of the three 1973-D cuds preserves a different rim failure event -- different location, different size, different die -- offering collectors variety within a single date-mintmark combination. The JNC cross-reference system provides an alternative identification framework that some collectors prefer, and the dual listing in both Cuds on Coins and JNC databases strengthens attribution confidence. Rim cuds on 1970s Jefferson nickels remain accessible to collectors searching contemporary roll stocks and dealer inventory.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Fred Weinberg
• Cross reference number: JNC-73D-3
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References