LDB23456-1952-001 Die Break

Description

Documented on a 1952 Philadelphia Mint proof Lincoln Wheat Cent, LDB23456-1952-001 records a die break spanning multiple location zones—the "23456" designation indicates a more extensive fracture than the single-zone breaks cataloged under simpler prefixes. Die breaks on proof coins are particularly notable because proof dies undergo more rigorous inspection and typically see shorter production runs than business strike dies, making significant die failures rarer in proof production. The proof striking process uses polished planchets and specially prepared dies to produce mirror-like fields and frosted devices, and any die deterioration such as cracks or breaks becomes readily visible against these pristine surfaces. The 1952 proof Lincoln Wheat Cent was produced exclusively at Philadelphia, with a proof mintage of 81,980 pieces. A multi-zone die break on a coin from this limited production represents a quality control event where a substantially damaged die continued in service long enough to strike collectible examples. Cataloged and verified by Cuds on Coins.

External References