LDB4-1956-002C Die Break

Description

Sub-varieties B and C of the same die break represent successive stages of a single die crack's evolution — and this 002C variety for the 1956 proof Lincoln Wheat Cent documents how a fracture that began as 002B continued to develop with additional striking. Cataloged as LDB4-1956-002C, it shares the same Hardy position 56P-4F+14 as 002B, confirming both sub-varieties originate from the same physical die crack at the same mapped location. The Cohen reference, however, differs: 56-B611 for 002C versus 56-B610 for 002B, indicating the Cohen system recognized the progressive die state as a separate catalog entry. Tracking a crack through sequential sub-varieties allows researchers to reconstruct the die's working life — early cracks may appear as fine hairlines, broadening and branching as the die absorbs more strikes until the fracture becomes severe enough to warrant retirement. On proof coinage, where each coin receives individual attention during striking, the progression from one sub-variety to the next may represent a relatively small number of impressions compared to business-strike die life, making stage progression on proof dies especially granular.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Taylor
• Cross references: Cohen 56-B611, Hardy 56P-4F+14.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References