RRDC-5c-1983-01R Bisecting Rim to Rim Die Crack

Description

A bisecting rim-to-rim die crack on the reverse of the 1983-P Jefferson Nickel, RRDC-5c-1983-01R documents a crack extending completely across the die face from one edge to the other. Rim-to-rim cracks represent an advanced stage of die deterioration where the fracture has propagated entirely through the die rather than terminating within the design field. On struck coins, this manifests as a raised line traversing the full diameter of the reverse, crossing through Monticello and its surrounding inscriptions. Bisecting die cracks are classified separately from partial cracks because they indicate a fundamentally compromised die that has lost structural integrity along an entire cross-section. The 1983 Jefferson Nickel was struck during a period when the Mint was adjusting to post-1982 production changes, and dies for the copper-nickel five-cent piece continued to use the Monticello reverse in service since 1938. Full rim-to-rim cracks are less commonly cataloged than partial cracks because severely cracked dies are typically retired before producing large quantities.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Greg Bowyer
• Cross reference: none. 06/29/2022.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References