LDB4-1996-002A BIE Die Break

Description

Classified under Hardy Index 4BH+, this BIE die break on a 1996 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Memorial Cent displays the characteristic raised vertical line between the B and E of LIBERTY that resembles an extra letter I — giving the "BIE" designation its name. These die breaks form when a hairline crack develops vertically in the die between B and E, and as the crack widens it fills with metal during striking to produce the distinctive raised bar. The LDB4 prefix designates position 4 in the Hardy classification system, a framework organizing BIE die breaks by precise location within the LIBERTY inscription. Hardy Index 4BH+ further refines the sub-classification within position 4. The "A" suffix on LDB4-1996-002A indicates a specific die state, documenting this variety at a particular stage of the crack's development. This is the second documented BIE at position 4 for the 1996-P date, cataloged by Cuds on Coins. BIE die breaks are among the most widely collected die break varieties on Lincoln Cents, with an active community of specialists tracking discoveries across all dates and mints.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Smith
• Cross reference: Hardy Index 4BH+. 07/13/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References