LDB4-1953D-001 BIE Die Break

Description

Representing the first documented BIE die break for the 1953 Denver Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent, this variety carries Hardy code 53D-4CL+1 — placing the break at position 4 in a Center-Left location within the interstitial space between the B and E of LIBERTY, with one additional die feature noted. Position 4 is the most frequently occurring BIE location across the entire Wheat Cent series, situated in the space that tends to concentrate striking stress due to its position relative to Lincoln's portrait relief on the opposing side of the planchet. The Center-Left placement within position 4 provides precise locational data for attributing this specific die among the potentially numerous BIE varieties produced at Denver in 1953. Cohen does not list this variety, making Hardy's classification the sole systematic reference. Denver produced over 700 million cents in 1953, a substantial output that would have consumed many dies and created ample opportunity for die breaks to develop. As the inaugural BIE entry for its date-mint combination, 53D-4CL+1 establishes the baseline for any additional 1953-D BIE varieties that may be cataloged in the future.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen Not Listed, Hardy 53D-4CL+1. 08/18/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References