LDB4-1957-010A BIE Die Break

Description

Among the earliest documented BIE die breaks for the prolific 1957 Philadelphia date, LDB4-1957-010A holds the distinction of dual-catalog recognition under both the Cohen system (57-B445) and the Hardy system (57P-4EL+42). The A suffix on the catalog number indicates a variant — a secondary observation on a die already documented as LDB4-1957-010, representing a different state or manifestation of the break on the same die. The dual-catalog status reflects two independent classification approaches: Cohen assigned letter-number codes (the B445 indicating his sequential numbering within a category), while Hardy developed a positional encoding system where 57P-4EL+42 specifies the date, mint, break type, and precise location relative to the surrounding design elements. Having both catalog references allows researchers to cross-verify attributions and demonstrates the thoroughness with which 1957 Philadelphia BIE varieties have been studied. The 1957 date produced an extraordinary number of BIE varieties — over sixty-five cataloged — making it the most intensely documented date for this die break type in the entire Lincoln Cent series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 57-B445, Hardy 57P-4EL+42. 07/13/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References