1890 Indian Head Cent Rim Cud (Obverse 10:30–12:15)

Description

This 1890 Indian Head Cent exhibits a dramatic rim cud error spanning the obverse from approximately 10:30 to 12:15 on the clock-position scale. The cud consists of two separate chunks of raised, unstruck metal at the rim, resulting from die rim pieces breaking away and leaving voids that filled with metal during striking. Multiple die fractures accompany the cud formation, documenting advanced deterioration of the obverse die that preceded the rim collapse. Cuds of this size and dual-chunk configuration are relatively scarce on Indian Head Cents, as the Mint typically retired dies showing significant rim damage before extensive cud formation could occur. Struck in bronze composition (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc), the standard alloy for the Indian Head series from 1864 through 1909, the 1890 date saw a Philadelphia mintage of over 57 million pieces. The 10:30-to-12:15 position places the cud across the top of the obverse, affecting the area above the Indian princess's feathered headdress. This location makes the error immediately visible without magnification, adding to its appeal among error collectors who prize large, visually prominent cud breaks. A rim cud occurs when a piece of the die breaks away at the rim, leaving a raised, featureless area of metal on the struck coin.