RCD-5c-1867-01R Retained Cud

Description

Opening the reverse retained cud catalog for the 1867 Shield Nickel, RCD-5c-1867-01R was struck at Philadelphia on the No Rays sub-type and documented by Cuds on Coins. The Shield Nickel debuted in 1866 as the first five-cent coin in the copper-nickel alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel — a composition defining the denomination for over a century. The original design included decorative rays between the reverse stars, but these were eliminated partway through 1867 because they accelerated die wear, establishing the No Rays configuration as standard through the series' end in 1883. A retained cud occurs when a die cracks to the rim and the broken section remains lodged, continuing to produce coins bearing a raised irregular mass. The copper-nickel alloy's hardness imposed significant stress on working dies, as resistant planchets redirected striking forces into the die face. This first reverse retained cud for the 1867 No Rays type documents a terminal die failure during the pivotal year when the Mint was adapting to the ray-free design while managing die longevity challenges inherent in copper-nickel.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Fred Weinberg
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References