CU-1c-1863-10R Cud

Description

Bearing the highest sequence number among 1863 reverse cuds, CU-1c-1863-10R represents the most recently cataloged reverse die failure for this date, reflecting the ongoing nature of die variety research. The "R" suffix identifies it as a reverse die break. New discoveries continue to emerge as previously unexamined coins surface from old collections and dealer stock, extending the known catalog for well-studied dates. The 1863 Indian Head Cent was the final year of copper-nickel composition, struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of approximately 49.8 million. This massive output demanded extensive die usage, and each die reaching its fatigue limit risked developing rim fractures. A reverse cud forms when a section of the reverse die rim fractures and separates, and the void fills with metal during subsequent strikes, creating a raised featureless mass at the coin's edge. The position of each cud is unique to the specific die that failed. Attribution among the many known 1863 reverse cuds requires careful comparison against published reference images. CU-1c-1863-10R is cataloged in the Cuds on Coins reference system.

External References