LDB4-1954S-003A BIE Die Break

Description

Cataloged as LDB4-1954S-003A and cross-referenced as Cohen 54S-B503 and Hardy 54S-4FL+, this 1954 San Francisco Lincoln wheat cent carries a BIE die break, the characteristic small die crack between the B and E of LIBERTY on Lincoln cents that creates the appearance of a capital letter I. The FL+ designation indicates a full break extending below the lowest level of the letters. This specimen is the first of a documented four-stage progression tracking the die's deterioration. Stage 1 (Cohen 54S-B503) shows a jagged top on the die chip, representing the initial formation of the break. Stage 2 (Cohen 54S-B504) adds die chips on the 5 and 9 of the date as the die deteriorates further. Stage 3 (Cohen 54S-B505) introduces a small die chip on the right wheat ear. Stage 4 (Cohen 54S-B506) sees the BIE grow into a larger die chip as the full break expands. This four-stage sequence offers collectors a complete window into the life cycle of a die break, from initial crack formation through progressive enlargement.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Juan Aguerre
• Cross references: Cohen 54S-B503, Hardy 54S-4FL+. 07/17/2015
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References