LDB4-1950-001 BIE Die Break

Description

Marking the first cataloged BIE die break for the 1950 Philadelphia Lincoln Wheat Cent, LDB4-1950-001 carries Hardy designation 50P-4SF and is not listed in the Cohen catalog. The 1950 cent occupies an interesting position in the Wheat series as a semi-key date — its mintage of approximately 272.6 million was high, but heavy saving by collectors anticipating the series' replacement reduced the number available in higher circulated grades. The BIE die break formed through the characteristic mechanism: a stress fracture developing in the die steel between the B and E of LIBERTY, filling with metal during striking to produce the distinctive raised vertical line. Hardy's designation 50P-4SF classifies this break's position and form within the standardized Hardy system for Lincoln Cent die breaks, providing a precise locational reference for attribution. The Cohen catalog does not include this variety (Cohen Not listed), suggesting it was documented after Cohen's compilation or fell outside its scope. BIE die breaks are among the most collected die varieties on Lincoln Cents, prized for visual distinctiveness and the satisfaction of discovering them through careful examination.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references:  Cohen Not listed, Hardy 50P-4SF. 07/16/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References