RCD-5c-1883-09R Retained Cud

Description

Ninth reverse retained cud identified for the 1883 Liberty Head nickel "No CENTS" variety, RCD-5c-1883-09R documents a die rim fracture on one of American numismatics' most storied coin types. The 1883 Liberty Head nickel's inaugural year produced two distinct varieties: the original design without the denomination CENTS on the reverse (No CENTS), and the revised design with FIVE CENTS added after unscrupulous individuals gold-plated the plain-reverse coins and passed them as five-dollar gold pieces. Charles Barber's obverse features a left-facing Liberty head wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, while the original reverse displays a large Roman numeral V within a wreath of corn, cotton, and wheat — the design that omitted any indication of denomination. Philadelphia struck approximately 5.48 million No CENTS nickels before the design was modified, and these coins were widely saved by the public both because of the "Racketeer Nickel" publicity and the assumption they would become valuable as a discontinued type. Nine reverse retained cuds for the No CENTS variety represents notable research depth for a nineteenth-century type coin. The retained cud classification indicates the die rim fractured but the broken segment maintained its position, producing a raised or shelf-like anomaly on struck coins. The composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel — the same alloy that would continue for Liberty Head, Buffalo, and Jefferson nickels — required substantial striking pressure that contributed to die wear and rim fractures. Cataloged by the Cuds on Coins service with no cross-references, this variety combines the historical appeal of the famous No CENTS type with the die variety interest of a documented die failure.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Newman
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References