LDB345-1952-001 BIE Die Break

Description

Classified in the Cuds on Coins numbering system as an "IIBIEIR" — which translates to the LDB345 prefix — this 1952 Lincoln Wheat Cent exhibits a multi-position BIE die break that extends across three distinct zones between the letters of LIBERTY. Cross-referenced as Cohen 52-BA60 and Hardy 52P-3&4Mul+1, the variety carries documentation in both major BIE cataloging systems. The LDB345 designation indicates breaks at positions 3, 4, and 5 simultaneously, meaning the die crack network spans multiple inter-letter gaps rather than producing the single vertical bar typical of a standard BIE. The "Mul+" notation in the Hardy reference (52P-3&4Mul+1) confirms multiple break points, with the "+1" indicating an additional break element beyond the primary cluster. This multi-position configuration makes LDB345-1952-001 considerably scarcer than single-position BIE varieties, as it requires more extensive die deterioration to produce the interconnected crack pattern. The 1952 Philadelphia Wheat Cent was struck during the Korean War era, with mintages that supported robust circulation demand. Victor David Brenner's obverse LIBERTY inscription sits in raised relief along the right side of the field, and when die fatigue causes cracks to propagate through the recessed channels between letters, the resulting raised bars on struck coins create the characteristic BIE appearance — here multiplied across three positions for a visually striking specimen that stands out even among experienced BIE collectors' holdings.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 52-BA60, Hardy 52P-3&4Mul+1. 02/27/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References