LDB4-1955D-001 BIE Die Break

Description

As the first cataloged BIE die break for the 1955 Denver Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent, die 001 opens what would become one of the most extensively documented date-mint combinations in BIE collecting — the 1955-D would eventually yield over fifty distinct BIE dies. Cohen Index 55D-B519 and Hardy Index 55D-4FL+5 provide dual-system attribution: position 4 between B and E of LIBERTY, far-left sub-position, with five additional die features. The far-left placement positions the raised bar near the boundary closest to the B, and the five supplementary features add diagnostic depth for attribution. BIE die breaks form when vertical stress fractures in the recessed die areas between LIBERTY's letters fill with metal during striking, creating a raised bar that resembles the letter I. The 1955 Denver Mint produced an enormous quantity of cents, consuming working dies at a rate that guaranteed substantial numbers would develop BIE breaks before retirement. Die 001's status as the inaugural cataloged variety for this prolific date gives it a certain primacy in the 1955-D BIE record, though the designation reflects cataloging sequence rather than chronological order of discovery. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this foundational entry anchors the extensive 1955-D BIE population.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 55D-B519, Hardy 55D-4FL+5. 07/13/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References