1996 (P) Lincoln Memorial Cent - LDB4-1996-004 BIE Die Break

Description

Documented by Cuds on Coins on July 13, 2015, and cross-referenced in the Hardy Index as 4CLM, this 1996-P Lincoln Memorial Cent BIE die break displays the characteristic raised vertical element between the letters B and E in LIBERTY on the obverse. The Hardy Index classification 4CLM encodes specific morphological information: "CL+" indicates a break extending one-quarter or more but less than one-half the height of the surrounding letters, extending below the lowest level of the letters — meaning this BIE mark reaches down below the baseline of the B and E letterforms, a distinctive profile compared to BIEs that are confined within the letter height zone. BIE die breaks form when a die crack develops between the B and E in LIBERTY, sometimes growing into a die chip where a small piece of the die surface detaches, producing a raised vertical mark on struck coins that resembles an additional letter I inserted between B and E. The catalog designation LDB4-1996-004 identifies this as the fourth BIE variety documented for the 1996-P date. Victor David Brenner's Lincoln portrait positions LIBERTY at the left side of the obverse, where the B-E gap is susceptible to stress-related cracking. The 4CLM Hardy classification provides standardized morphological data for comparing this break against other BIE varieties.

Cross References

• Cross reference: Hardy Index 4CLM. 07/13/2015.

External References