RCD-5c-1866-10 Retained Cud

Description

Reaching sequence number ten in the retained cud catalog for 1866, RCD-5c-1866-10 underscores the severe die attrition experienced during the Shield Nickel's debut year. Ten distinct retained cuds from a single date indicates widespread die failure across the production run — each representing a different working die that developed its own rim fracture. The 1866 Shield Nickel with Rays was the Mint's first foray into a copper-nickel five-cent denomination, and the combination of an unfamiliar alloy, intricate die designs with stress-concentrating rays, and aggressive production schedules took a heavy toll on die integrity. A retained cud differs from a standard cud in that the cracked rim fragment stays seated in the die rather than falling away, producing a raised mass with partial design detail on every coin struck until the die is retired. James B. Longacre's Shield Nickel design reflected post-Civil War patriotic sentiment, with the obverse shield and reverse rays symbolizing national strength and radiance. The Rays design lasted only through part of 1867 before removal. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.0 grams. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins. Compare the rim location and contour of this retained fracture against the 1866-05 entry to confirm the correct sequence number — each die breaks in its own characteristic pattern.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Keith Bock
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References