LDB4-1957-013B Die Break

Description

Distinguished from its business strike counterpart by its proof strike parentage, this 1957 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent die break shares the same LDB4 variety code and 4FL+ designation but exists within the proof production context — where dies receive special preparation and coins are struck on polished planchets with mirror-like fields. The five-stage die progression is identical in structure: Stage 1 (Cohen 57B-513) with die cracks on the head and over VDB, progressing through Stages 2 through 4 with incrementally larger repunched dates and accumulating die damage, culminating in Stage 5 where the full BIE break, spike head, and largest repunched date appear. Finding this progression on proof specimens is particularly significant because proof dies typically produce far fewer coins than business strike dies, making each stage proportionally scarcer. The mirror fields of proof strikes also render die cracks and breaks more visually dramatic against the reflective surface. Cross-referenced as Cohen 57-BR3 and Hardy 57P-4FL+25, this variety was cataloged by Cuds on Coins. Proof die breaks from the final wheat cent years are uncommon. Die Chip on the top of head.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross references: Cohen 57-BR3, Hardy 57P-4FL+25. 07/13/2015.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References