LDB4-1954S-002 BIE Die Break

Description

Fourteen additional die features beyond the primary BIE signal a die in severe deterioration — making this 1954 San Francisco Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent one of the most heavily damaged dies documented among S-mint BIE varieties. Hardy Index 54S-4F+14 decodes as position 4 between B and E of LIBERTY, front sub-position, plus fourteen supplementary breaks or deterioration markers. Cohen Index 54S-B618 anchors this variety in the Cohen cataloging system. The extraordinary "+14" count means a collector examining this die's products would find the primary BIE bar accompanied by a web of secondary cracks, chips, and die damage spreading across the coin's surface. Each additional feature serves as a diagnostic fingerprint for confirming the specific die. The 1954 San Francisco Mint holds special historical significance for cent collectors: it was the last year the facility struck circulation cents until resuming in 1968, making 1954-S and 1955-S the terminal dates for San Francisco business strike Wheat Cents. A BIE die break creates a raised vertical bar between the letters B and E of LIBERTY when a stress fracture in the die fills with metal during striking. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this extensively deteriorated die from San Francisco's penultimate cent year combines scarcity of origin with exceptional diagnostic complexity.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Richard Stachowski
• Cross references: Cohen 54S-B618, Hardy 54S-4F+14. 07/13/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References