1996 (P) Jefferson Nickel - RRDC-5c-1996P-01R Bisecting Rim to Rim Die Crack

Description

Spanning the entire diameter of the reverse die from one rim to the opposite rim, this bisecting die crack on a 1996 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel represents one of the most dramatic forms of die failure short of complete die separation. A bisecting rim-to-rim die crack indicates that the die fractured completely across its face, with the crack running from one edge to the other — more or less dividing the die face in two. Coins struck from such a severely cracked die show a raised line traversing the entire design, and the fact that production continued despite this catastrophic fracture reflects the reality that dies were sometimes run well past the point of significant damage. The "RRDC" prefix specifically denotes the bisecting rim-to-rim nature of the crack, distinguishing it from partial die cracks that terminate before reaching the opposite rim. The "R" suffix indicates this crack appeared on the reverse die. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this is the first documented bisecting crack for the 1996-P Jefferson Nickel. The 1996 date falls within Felix Schlag's original Monticello reverse design period (1938-2003), and Philadelphia's nickel production in the mid-1990s was substantial. Bisecting cracks are relatively uncommon in specialized die variety catalogs because many severely damaged dies are pulled from service before large quantities of coins can be struck.

Cross References

• Cross reference: none. 02/01/2014.

External References