LDB4-1955D-016 BIE Die Break

Description

Not yet assigned a Cohen Index number, this sixteenth documented BIE die for the 1955 Denver Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent carries Hardy Index 55D-4F+, placing the raised bar at the front sub-position between B and E of LIBERTY with at least one additional feature. The front placement positions the break closer to the B than to the E, a common but by no means universal sub-position among the extensive 1955-D BIE population. On Lincoln Wheat Cents, BIE die breaks form when the die metal between the incuse letters of LIBERTY develops a vertical stress fracture from repeated striking. The recessed areas between letters act as stress concentrators — thin walls of die steel separating the deep impressions of adjacent letters — and these walls are inherently vulnerable to cracking after thousands of impressions. The 1955 Denver Mint was one of the highest-volume cent producers in the series, and the date's fame extends beyond BIE varieties: the Philadelphia Mint's 1955 Doubled Die Obverse is arguably the most recognized Lincoln Cent error in numismatic history, driving heightened collector scrutiny of all 1955-dated cents from every mint. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, die 016 adds to the deep roster of front-positioned BIEs documented for this prolific date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen Not Listed, Hardy 55D-4F+. 10/09/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References