LDB4-1956-010B BIE Die Break

Description

Documenting a four-stage die progression, this 1956 Lincoln Wheat Cent BIE die break traces the evolution of a die crack between the B and E of LIBERTY from its earliest form through its final dramatic state. In Stage 1, a die crack appears on the right wheat stalk while the BIE area has not yet developed. By Stage 3, cross-referenced as Cohen B903, a die chip between the B and E has grown significantly larger. Stage 4, cross-referenced as Cohen B620, sees the die chip mature into a full BIE — a raised vertical bar between the B and E of LIBERTY that resembles an extra letter I. Cross-referenced overall as Cohen 56-BA704 and Hardy 56P-4SCH, this multi-stage documentation is exceptional because it captures the complete life cycle of one of the most popular Lincoln Cent variety types. BIE die breaks occur when progressive cracking in the die face between the B and E of LIBERTY widens enough to fill with metal during striking, producing the characteristic raised bar. The four documented stages transform a single die's deterioration into a sequential narrative of mechanical failure, making this variety invaluable for understanding how BIE features develop over a die's working life.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 56-BA704, Hardy 56P-4SCH.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References