1978 Lincoln Memorial Cent - CU-1C-1978-01 Cud

Description

Cataloged as CU-1C-1978-01 by Cuds on Coins, this variety represents the first documented rim break on 1978 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Memorial cents. A cud forms when a portion of the die rim undergoes complete separation due to metal fatigue — the repeated high-pressure striking cycles nucleate microscopic cracks along stress concentration points where the die face meets the collar groove, and these cracks propagate inward until a fragment of hardened tool steel detaches entirely. Once the rim segment separates, the die continues to operate with an open cavity that fills with planchet metal under striking pressure, producing a raised, featureless mass along the coin's edge on every subsequent piece. Each die pair endured hundreds of thousands of impressions before retirement, and the cumulative fatigue damage made terminal rim fractures an inevitable consequence of sustained high-volume coining operations. CU-1C-1978-01 initiates the documented cud census for this date, with its unique rim position distinguishing it from later entries in the sequence. The 1978 Philadelphia cent was struck without a mint mark from the standard 95% copper alloy, consistent with Philadelphia's practice for cents, which lasted until the P mint mark was added in 2017. Attribution by Cuds on Coins.

Cross References

• CU-1C-1978-01

External References