CU-1c-1865-02R Cud

Description

Sharing the same CU-1c-1865-02R catalog number as its Fancy 5 counterpart, this cud on the 1865 Indian Head Cent Plain 5 sub-variety was produced by a different die pair that developed a rim fracture at the same reverse position. The identical catalog number reflects the positional classification system — both cuds occupy the 2 o'clock area on the reverse — but the two represent independent die failures on dies paired with different obverse date punches. The "Plain 5" sub-variety features a simpler, less ornate rendering of the numeral 5 in the date, distinguishing it from the more elaborate "Fancy 5" style used on other dies that year. Indian Head Cents of 1865 were among the first struck on the new bronze composition (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) that replaced copper-nickel, and the transition introduced new die stress patterns as Philadelphia's presses adjusted to the thinner, softer planchets. James Barton Longacre's Indian Head design, featuring Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, was in its seventh year of production. Cuds on 1865 cents attract collectors who specialize in Civil War-era die varieties, where the intersection of composition changes and high wartime demand created conditions conducive to die failures.

External References