1988 (P) Jefferson Nickel - CU-5c-1988P-01 Cud

Description

Marking the fiftieth anniversary of Felix Schlag's Jefferson Nickel design, 1988 holds special significance for series collectors, and CU-5c-1988P-01 — cross-referenced as JNC-88P-1 — documents the first cataloged cud for the 1988 Philadelphia issue. By 1988, Schlag's design had been in continuous use since its debut, making it one of the longest-running designs in American coinage history. The golden anniversary went unacknowledged by the Mint, which would not modify the nickel until the Westward Journey series of 2004-2005. This cud formed through the same mechanical process producing rim breaks across all denominations: die steel fatigue generates cracks at stress points, and continued use drives the fracture to full rim separation. The JNC-88P-1 designation confirms this was the first reported cud for the date. Philadelphia's nickel production in 1988 served a growing economy, and the denomination's 75% copper, 25% nickel composition continued to provide durability for heavy circulation. The raised plateau left by the missing die fragment contrasts sharply with surrounding design details, making cuds among the most visually striking die failures.

Cross References

• Cross reference number: JNC-88P-1.

External References