RCD-2c-1865-04R Retained Cud

Description

Fourth reverse retained cud for the 1865 Two Cent Piece, RCD-2c-1865-04R documents a die failure on the denomination that introduced IN GOD WE TRUST to American coinage — the first U.S. coin to bear the motto, beginning in 1864. By 1865, the second year of production, the Philadelphia Mint was striking these coins in 95% copper and 5% tin-and-zinc, a bronze composition whose relative softness was kinder to dies than harder nickel and silver alloys. Nevertheless, sustained production generated the fatigue necessary for rim cracks to develop and propagate. A retained cud forms when a fractured die fragment remains mechanically captured, continuing to impress a raised irregular mass onto each subsequent planchet. The Two Cent Piece series ran from 1864 through 1873, but mintages declined sharply after the first two years as the denomination proved redundant. Four reverse retained cuds for 1865 reflects meaningful die usage during these higher-mintage early years. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this variety connects die failure documentation to one of the most historically significant denominations in American coinage history.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Fred Weinberg
• Cross reference number: none. 11/01/2013.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References