LDB4-1956-005A Die Break

Description

The LDB4-1956-005A is a die break variety discovered on the 1956 Proof Lincoln Wheat cent, cataloged within the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series. Unlike circulation-strike die breaks, this variety occurs on a proof coin, which were struck at the Philadelphia Mint on specially prepared planchets using polished dies to create mirror-like fields and sharp design details. The proof wheat cent weighs 3.1 grams, measures 19 mm in diameter, and is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin-and-zinc. Cross-referenced as Cohen 56-B804 and Hardy 56P-4SDH-1, this variety was documented by the Cuds on Coins reference project. A notable characteristic is that the die break progresses through multiple stages: Stage 2 develops a die break between Lincoln's coat and the rim, indicating the fracture expanded during the die's service life. Die breaks on proof coins are comparatively scarce because proof dies are typically retired after producing far fewer impressions than their circulation-strike counterparts, limiting the opportunity for die fatigue and fracture to develop. The SDH classification in the Hardy reference indicates a specific break morphology within the standardized die break taxonomy. Victor David Brenner's Lincoln portrait obverse, combined with the reverse wheat ear design that gave these coins their enduring "wheat penny" nickname, makes the 1909-1958 series one of the most extensively studied for die varieties in all of American numismatics. Proof wheat cents from 1956 are part of the final era of this beloved design.

Attribution History

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

External References