CU-1c-1863-08R Cud

Description

The abundance of die varieties from the 1863 Indian Head Cent is a direct consequence of its production volume — approximately 49.8 million pieces required a large number of die pairs, and each die that reached its mechanical limit became a candidate for rim fracture. CU-1c-1863-08R is the eighth documented reverse cud for this date, the "R" suffix confirming it as a reverse die failure. This high sequence number underscores the extensive cataloging effort applied to one of the highest-mintage copper-nickel Indian Head Cent dates. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in the alloy of 88% copper and 12% nickel, these coins carry a pale white appearance distinct from the bronze issues that would begin the following year. A reverse cud forms when a section of the reverse die rim fractures under cumulative striking stress, separates from the die body, and leaves a cavity that fills with metal during subsequent impressions. The raised featureless mass that results is positioned uniquely on each failed die, and attributing a specimen to the correct catalog entry requires comparison against published reference images. CU-1c-1863-08R is cataloged in the Cuds on Coins reference system.

External References