LDB1-1940S-001 BIE Die Break

Description

Struck at the San Francisco Mint in the 95% copper composition standard for Lincoln Wheat Cents, LDB1-1940S-001 records the first cataloged BIE die break from the 1940-S issue. BIE die breaks form when a chip develops in the die between the letters B and E of LIBERTY, creating a raised area on the struck coin that resembles the letter "I" inserted between them. The "LDB1" catalog prefix identifies this as a specific die break location category within the Cuds on Coins classification system. BIE varieties represent one of the most popular collecting specialties within the Lincoln Cent series because they are visually distinctive, span nearly every date, and remain affordable even in higher grades. Each BIE is unique in size, shape, and precise position between B and E, making individual catalog entries distinguishable even when multiple examples exist for a single date-mint. San Francisco's 1940 cent production was modest, limiting the working die population and making documented die failures from this facility relatively scarce. Cataloged and verified by Cuds on Coins.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Nolan Workman
• Cross reference: none. 03/16/2019.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References