LDB4-1957-013D Die Break

Description

Carrying the unusual Cohen designation BR1a — where the "BR" prefix sets it apart from standard "B" numbering used for most Lincoln Cent die breaks — this 1957 Proof Lincoln Cent die break is classified under Hardy 57P-4FL+25. The 4FL designation indicates a full lateral break, meaning the fracture extends across the complete lateral width of Lincoln's portrait, a more extensive failure than partial lateral fractures in other Hardy categories. The +25 suffix identifies additional break segment 25. The "D" suffix on LDB4-1957-013D marks this as the fourth sub-variety of the parent -013 die break, indicating the source die went through multiple identifiable stages of fracture development. Cohen 57-BR1a provides the secondary catalog number, with the BR prefix suggesting classification under a distinct subsection of the Cohen system. Full lateral breaks on proof Lincoln Cents are visually dramatic because the fracture spans a significant portion of the die face, and double striking used for proof production accelerates crack propagation. With 1,247,952 proofs struck in 1957, the dies endured substantial cumulative stress despite the modest total by business strike standards.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Juan Aguerre
• Cross references: Cohen 57-BR1a, Hardy 57P-4FL+25. 12/12/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References