LDB4-1956-007B Die Break

Description

Struck as a proof at the Philadelphia Mint, this die break on a 1956 Lincoln Wheat Cent is cross-referenced as Cohen 56-B629 and Hardy 56P-4FH+ in the major reference catalogs for Lincoln Cent die varieties. The Cohen Index number places it within Bernard Cohen's comprehensive die break classification system, while the Hardy designation refines the position within the Hardy BIE and die break framework. The "B" die state suffix indicates this is documented at a later stage of deterioration than the initial state. A notable feature of this die is its earlier Stage 1 configuration, which corresponds to Cohen 56-B627 and exhibits only a "Cracked Skull" — a die crack running through Lincoln's head — before the break progressed to its full extent. This progression from cracked skull to full die break provides collectors with a documented die deterioration sequence. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, LDB4-1956-007B belongs to the proof Lincoln Wheat Cent series, where die breaks on proof coinage carry added significance due to the controlled striking conditions and limited production numbers that characterize proof manufacturing.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Earl M
• Cross references: Cohen 56-B629, Hardy 56P-4FH+.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References