CU-1c-1865-06R Cud

Description

Matching the 6 o'clock reverse position of the Plain 5 version, this cud on the 1865 Indian Head Cent Fancy 5 sub-variety represents an independent die failure at the same general location on a different die pair. The recurrence of position-6 cuds across both Fancy 5 and Plain 5 dies suggests a structural vulnerability in the reverse die at this location — the bottom of the coin where the wreath design and denomination converge near the rim, concentrating mechanical stress during repeated striking. Die steel at the 6 o'clock position absorbs substantial force as the planchet metal flows outward during the strike, and this area is among the most common locations for cud formation across all denominations. The Fancy 5 sub-variety is identified by the ornamental serif on the numeral 5 in the date, a detail produced by a different date punch than the plainer version. Together with CU-1c-1865-02R on the same Fancy 5 die family, this variety demonstrates that 1865 Fancy 5 dies experienced rim failures at multiple positions. James Barton Longacre's Indian Head design was entering its seventh year when these bronze planchets first replaced the copper-nickel blanks, and the Mint's adjustment to new striking parameters likely contributed to increased die stress during this transitional period.

External References