LDB4-1950-002 Die Break

Description

Classified with the "F" designation indicating a break that is flush with both the highest and lowest levels of the surrounding letters, this 1950 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent die break at Hardy position 4 is cross-referenced to Cohen 50-B501 and Hardy 50P-4F-5. The flush break characteristic means the fracture line runs through the LIBERTY letters at a level that does not protrude above or recede below the adjacent design elements — a specific morphological classification within the Hardy system that helps categorize die breaks by their physical profile. The dual cross-reference to both the Cohen and Hardy systems provides collectors with multiple attribution pathways for this variety. Position 4 in the Hardy classification places the break in a specific zone within the LIBERTY inscription, and the 4F sub-designation further specifies the flush nature of the fracture. The 1950 proof cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which resumed proof production in 1950 after a hiatus that began in 1942 due to World War II. The return of proof coinage after an eight-year gap made 1950 proof issues especially notable to contemporary collectors. Die breaks on proof coins are particularly visible due to the mirror-like finish of the proof surface, which provides maximum contrast against any raised anomalies from die fractures. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins on March 10, 2016, LDB4-1950-002 documents the second die break at this Hardy position for 1950 proof cents — evidence that multiple proof dies developed fractures at this stress-prone location.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references:  Cohen 50-B501, Hardy 50P-4F-5. 03/10/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References