LDB4-1950D-003 BIE Die Break

Description

Documented by the Cuds on Coins reference catalog and cross-referenced as Cohen 50D-B402 and Hardy 50D-4F (dated July 12, 2016), this 1950-D Lincoln Wheat Cent exhibits a BIE die break — a distinctive class of die variety unique to Lincoln Cents where a small die crack or chip between the letters B and E of LIBERTY produces a raised vertical bar resembling the letter I, creating the visual illusion of "LIBIERTY" on the coin. The designation LDB4-1950D-003 places this as the third cataloged BIE variety for the 1950-D date, with the "4F" in the Hardy cross-reference indicating a break that is flush with the highest and lowest levels of the letters — meaning the raised bar extends to match the full height of the adjacent B and E letterforms without protruding above or below them. The Cohen and Hardy cross-references connect this variety to two independent BIE cataloging systems, providing multiple attribution pathways for collectors. BIE die breaks develop when accumulated stress in the die face between the B and E of LIBERTY causes a localized fracture, and the narrow space between these two letters creates a natural stress concentration point where cracks preferentially initiate. The Lincoln Wheat Cent was designed by Victor David Brenner for the obverse, struck at the Denver Mint in 1950 in standard bronze composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. BIE varieties are one of the most accessible collecting specialties within the Lincoln Cent error and variety field, as the raised bar between B and E is typically visible without magnification, making them popular discoveries for both novice and experienced collectors searching through rolls and bags of older cents.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 50D-B402, Hardy 50D-4F. 07/12/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References