SD-1c-2020-01R Split Die

Description

Representing one of the most dramatic forms of die failure, a split die occurs when a major crack extends across the full diameter of the die face, effectively splitting it into two sections — and this first documented split die for the 2020 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Shield Cent preserves that catastrophic fracture on the reverse die. The "R" suffix confirms the reverse location, meaning the split affected the Union Shield design introduced in 2010. Split dies go beyond ordinary die cracks in severity and visual impact: while a die crack produces a thin raised line, a split die creates a continuous fracture from rim to rim with measurable displacement between the two halves. The result is a coin with a raised ridge running across its surface, with design elements on either side slightly offset. Split dies represent end-of-life die failures — the die has deteriorated to structural compromise and would typically be retired after such damage was detected. The 2020 Philadelphia cent was struck during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a coin circulation disruption created the so-called "national coin shortage." Cataloged by Cuds on Coins as the inaugural split die for this date and mint.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jason T Kitts
• Cross reference: none. 03/15/2021. Cross reference number: none
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References