1996 (P) Jefferson Nickel - RRDC-5c-1996P-02R Bisecting Rim to Rim Die Crack

Description

Second bisecting rim-to-rim die crack documented on the reverse of the 1996-P Jefferson nickel, RRDC-5c-1996P-02R catalogs a dramatic form of die failure where a crack propagated completely across the die face, connecting two points on the peripheral rim. Bisecting rim-to-rim die cracks represent one of the most visually striking die failure varieties — unlike partial die cracks that originate at the rim and extend partway into the design field before terminating, or interior die breaks that remain isolated within the design, a bisecting crack traverses the entire die diameter, more or less dividing the die face in two. On struck coins, this produces a raised line running from one rim edge to the other, crossing through whatever design elements lie in its path. Felix Schlag's Jefferson nickel reverse features Monticello with its detailed architectural facade, columned portico, and surrounding inscriptions, and a bisecting crack crossing this design would create a prominent raised line cutting through the building, lettering, or field areas depending on the crack's trajectory. Philadelphia struck approximately 829.3 million nickels in 1996, a large production run that generated significant die consumption. The 75% copper, 25% nickel composition used for Jefferson nickels creates relatively hard planchets that impose substantial stress on dies during each strike cycle, contributing to the development of progressive die cracks under sustained production. Documented by Cuds on Coins with no additional cross-references, the 02R designation indicates this is the second reverse bisecting crack cataloged for 1996-P, suggesting the date experienced multiple instances of this advanced die failure.

External References