CU-1c-1864-11R(CN) Cud

Description

Eleventh reverse cud on the copper-nickel composition 1864 Indian Head Cent, CU-1c-1864-11R(CN) documents yet another major die rim failure on the reverse die, where a piece broke away completely to leave a cavity that filled with metal during striking, producing a featureless raised area at the coin's edge. Eleven reverse cuds on the copper-nickel 1864 cent represents a substantial catalog of rim failures for a single date and composition, likely reflecting the mechanical challenges of striking the harder copper-nickel alloy (88% copper, 12% nickel) that was being phased out during 1864 in favor of the softer bronze composition. The harder alloy transmitted greater force to the die during each strike, accelerating die fatigue and increasing the probability of rim fractures. The 1864 Indian Head Cent is one of the most complex dates in the series from a variety perspective, with coins existing in three distinct subtypes: copper-nickel (no L), bronze (no L), and bronze (with L), the latter referring to designer James Barton Longacre's initial on the headband ribbon. Civil War-era production at the Philadelphia Mint operated under extraordinary pressure, with coin hoarding creating shortages that drove demands for increased output. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this eleventh reverse cud adds to the comprehensive documentation of die rim failures across all three 1864 Indian Head Cent subtypes, providing researchers with data on die longevity patterns specific to the copper-nickel composition.

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