1985 (P) Lincoln Memorial Cent - CU-1C-1985-07 Cud

Description

Authentication of cud errors requires understanding what genuine die breaks look like versus post-mint damage that can mimic them. CU-1C-1985-07 on the 1985 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent, like all documented cuds, exhibits characteristics that distinguish it from imposters. A genuine cud shows metal flow consistent with being struck by a die — the raised area has the same luster and surface texture as the surrounding coin because both were formed simultaneously during the striking event. The cud's surface typically displays a slight roughness or matte finish where metal filled the void left by the missing die fragment, but this texture is uniform and struck-in rather than applied afterward. Post-mint damage that mimics cuds — such as rim dings, planchet clips dressed to appear as cuds, or intentionally deformed rims — lacks this struck consistency. The junction between the cud and the normal coin surface is another diagnostic: genuine cuds show a seamless transition because the metal flowed continuously during striking, whereas post-mint additions or modifications create visible seams or discontinuities. Grading services examine these characteristics when determining whether a submitted coin genuinely exhibits a cud error.

Cross References

• CU-1C-1985-07

External References