CU-1C-1988-01R Cud

Description

Cataloged as CU-1C-1988-01R in the Cuds on Coins reference, this is the first documented cud variety on the 1988 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent and one of four reverse cuds identified for this date. The "R" suffix designates a reverse cud — a major die break occurring at the rim of the reverse die rather than the more commonly observed obverse. Cuds form when a section of a hardened steel die fractures and a piece physically separates from the die face, leaving a void that fills with metal under striking pressure. The result is a raised, featureless blob on the finished coin that contrasts starkly with the surrounding design. On reverse cuds of the Lincoln Memorial cent, the break interrupts elements of the Memorial building, denomination text, or motto depending on its position along the rim. The 1988 Philadelphia cent, with over twenty documented cud varieties across both sides, ranks among the most prolific dates for cud collectors in the entire Lincoln Memorial series, a consequence of the enormous 6.09 billion-piece mintage that subjected dies to heavy production volumes and accelerated wear. Each cataloged cud represents a distinct die that failed during service. Struck on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Mike Diamond
• CU-1C-1988-01R
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References