LDB4-1955S-008A BIE Die Break

Description

Eighth BIE die break documented for the 1955 San Francisco Lincoln Wheat Cent, with A identifying the first sub-variety of this die number. As another product of the final year San Francisco struck Wheat Cents for general circulation, this variety joins LDB4-1955S-007E in representing the terminus of an S-mint tradition. The BIE break — a raised vertical bar between B and E in LIBERTY caused by a die crack filling with metal during striking — is among the most systematically collected die break types in Lincoln Cent numismatics. Cuds on Coins assigns each unique BIE die a sequential number within the date-mintmark combination, with letter suffixes marking sub-varieties that differ in extent, state, or precise positioning. The A suffix on this eighth die indicates the primary or earliest documented state. The 1955-S was struck on 95% copper planchets at 19mm, continuing Brenner's obverse portrait and the wheat ear reverse in production since 1909. San Francisco's S mintmark appears below the date. Examine the space between B and E in LIBERTY for the raised vertical element.

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