1857 Flying Eagle Cent Reverse Rim Cud (9 o'clock)

Description

A raised featureless blob of metal at the 9 o'clock position on the reverse marks where a piece of the die broke away at the rim during production of this 1857 Flying Eagle cent. Rim cuds form when accumulated die fatigue causes a section of the die edge to fracture and separate, removing the design engraving in that area and leaving a cavity that fills with metal during striking. On this example, the cud sits just above the 9 o'clock position on the reverse, west of "ONE" in the wreath denomination area. Every coin struck after the die fragment separated carries the same featureless raised area — a permanent die state marker that persists until the die was retired from production. The Flying Eagle cent series (1857-1858) marked a transformative moment in U.S. coinage: the shift from large copper cents to the smaller, lighter format that would continue through the Indian Head and Lincoln series. Rim cuds on Flying Eagle cents are noteworthy because the series' limited two-year production window and significant collector following ensure that documented die breaks receive sustained attention from variety specialists and series collectors alike.