RCD-1c-1953S-10R Retained Cud

Description

Cross-referenced as LC-53S-4R Ret in the Lincoln Cent reference catalog, this tenth reverse retained cud for the 1953 San Francisco Mint Wheat Cent is further distinguished by the presence of die chips on the date, as noted in the Cuds on Coins commentary. The die chips on the date provide an additional attribution marker beyond the primary retained cud — they indicate that the obverse die was also deteriorating in the date area, separate from the reverse rim fracture that constitutes the retained cud. This dual-deterioration condition documents a die pair where both the obverse and reverse were showing signs of extended use. Ten reverse retained cuds from a single date and mint reflects San Francisco's role in cent production during the early 1950s, a period when the mint struck significant quantities of circulating coinage. The 1953-S was among the later San Francisco Wheat Cents — the facility's cent production would taper before San Francisco transitioned primarily to proof coinage later in the decade. A retained cud on the reverse indicates that the wheat ears die fractured at the rim but the broken piece remained in place, producing raised and distorted impressions at the rim area while preserving partial design continuity. The LC-53S-4R Ret cross-reference connects this Cuds on Coins entry to the broader Lincoln Cent variety literature, enabling collectors who use different reference systems to locate the same variety. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this variety documents a die pair approaching the end of its useful life, with rim fracture on the reverse and surface deterioration on the obverse combining to produce a multi-attribute variety that records the terminal stages of die service.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Newman
• Cross reference: LC-53S-4R Ret.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References