LDB4-1956-005A BIE Die Break

Description

Among the most recognizable die varieties on Lincoln Wheat Cents, BIE die breaks occur when a progressive crack develops between the letters B and E of LIBERTY, leaving a raised vertical line on struck coins that resembles a capital letter I inserted between the two letters. This 1956 example, cataloged as LDB4-1956-005A and cross-referenced as Cohen 56-B804 and Hardy 56P-4SDH-1, documents one such crack on a late-date Wheat Cent from the penultimate year of the series. The die crack grew severe enough to produce a clearly defined vertical bar between B and E, giving collectors an accessible entry point into die break variety collecting. Stage 2 of this die exhibits additional deterioration, with a secondary die break developing between the coat and the rim, indicating the die continued in service even as structural failure progressed. BIE varieties remain among the most actively collected Lincoln Cent die breaks, prized for their visual clarity and the satisfying moment of recognition when a collector spots the telltale extra vertical stroke within the word LIBERTY.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chris Simpson
• Cross references: Cohen 56-B804, Hardy 56P-4SDH-1.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References