LDB4-1956-004C Die Break

Description

Occurring on a 1956 proof Lincoln Wheat Cent, LDB4-1956-004C documents a die break on one of the carefully manufactured proof dies used at the Philadelphia Mint. Cross-referenced as Cohen 56-B652 and Hardy NL (Not Listed), this variety represents a notable anomaly because proof dies are typically manufactured to higher standards and retired earlier than business strike dies, making die breaks on proofs considerably scarcer than on circulation issues. The 1956 proof cent was produced as part of the annual proof set, with a total proof mintage of approximately 669,384 sets — a figure that represents every proof cent produced that year, since proofs were only available through set purchases. Proof dies are made from specially selected and hardened die blanks, and the dies undergo additional polishing to achieve the mirror-like fields characteristic of proof coinage. Despite these precautions, die breaks can still occur, particularly if a microscopic flaw in the die steel provides an initiation point for a fatigue crack. The LDB4 prefix in the catalog designation indicates this is classified under the die break category in the Cuds on Coins taxonomy, and the "004C" designation with the letter suffix indicates this is a later die stage of the fourth documented die break for 1956 proof cents. Proof die breaks are prized by variety collectors because the mirror-like fields of proof coins make die imperfections exceptionally visible and easy to photograph, and the limited mintage inherently restricts the population of affected specimens.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Earl M
• Cross references: Cohen 56-B652, Hardy NL.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References