SD-1c-1991-01R Split Die

Description

Carrying a classification that sparked expert debate, SD-1c-1991-01R documents a reverse split die on the 1991 Lincoln Memorial cent that PCGS has labeled as a shattered die — a designation that both Jon Sullivan and the CudsOnCoins cataloger disagree with, maintaining that the error is properly classified as a split die rather than a shattered die. The distinction matters: a split die features a single major crack that divides the die face into two or more large sections, while a shattered die exhibits a web of multiple intersecting cracks that fragment the entire die surface. This classification disagreement illustrates the nuance inherent in error coin attribution, where experienced specialists can examine the same specimen and reach different conclusions about the failure mechanism. The "R" suffix confirms the split occurred on the reverse die, affecting the Lincoln Memorial design. Split dies represent an advanced stage of die failure where a stress fracture has propagated entirely across the die face, and the separated sections shift relative to each other under striking pressure, producing coins with visible displacement along the crack line. This type of catastrophic failure typically ends the die's service life. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, weighing 2.5 grams and measuring 19mm.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jon Sullivan
• Cross reference: none. PCGS has this coin labeled as a shattered die. Both Jon Sullivan and I agree that this is split die.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References