SD-10c-1974D-01 Split Die

Description

First cataloged split die for the 1974 Denver Mint Roosevelt Dime, SD-10c-1974D-01 documents a dramatic form of die failure where the die fractures into separate sections — a more severe progression than die cracks or cuds. No "R" suffix indicates this split die affects the obverse, where John R. Sinnock's portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt would show the characteristic distortion that occurs when portions of the die face shift relative to each other: design elements on one side of the split may appear displaced, doubled, or weakly struck compared to the opposite side. Split dies rank among the most visually dramatic die varieties because the failure is large enough to produce effects visible without magnification. Copper-nickel clad dimes from the 1974-D production run circulated widely, and this variety would be found among coins that passed through everyday commerce. Denver's high-volume dime production that year required substantial die inventories, and structural failure of this magnitude typically ended a die's service life quickly. Cataloged and verified by Cuds on Coins.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Richie Poore
• Cross reference: none. 06/16/2018.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References