LDB5-1955-002 BIE Die Break

Description

Second documented BIE die break at Hardy position 5 for the 1955 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent, this variety introduces position-specific terminology that defines the break's characteristics. The catalog entry explains the Hardy notation system: "BL+" indicates a break of less than one-quarter the height of the letters that extends below the lowest level of the letters, while "S" indicates a semi die break — a fracture where the die has cracked but the broken piece has not completely separated or filled with metal, producing a partial rather than full raised element on struck coins. Cross-referenced as Cohen NL (not listed) with Hardy designation 55P-5BH+, the Cohen NL status means this variety had not been included in the Cohen census at the time of documentation on June 14, 2017, by Cuds on Coins. The 5BH+ Hardy designation places this at position 5 with the BH+ sub-classification describing the break's height and extension relative to the letter forms. The 1955 Philadelphia Wheat Cent carries extraordinary cachet in die variety collecting because it shares a date with the famous 1955 Doubled Die Obverse — arguably the most famous error coin in American numismatics. While LDB5-1955-002 is a die break rather than a doubled die, the shared date ensures that 1955 Wheat Cents of all varieties receive intense collector scrutiny. Hardy position 5 represents a different location within the LIBERTY area than position 4 where the majority of documented 1957-P BIE breaks cluster, and only two documented breaks at this position for 1955-P suggests either lower die failure rates at this location or less thorough examination compared to position 4 varieties.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Juan Aguerre
• Cross references: Cohen NL, Hardy 55P-5BH+. 06/14/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References