LDB5-1958-002 BIE Die Break

Description

Second documented BIE die break at Hardy position 5 for the 1958 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent — the final year of the iconic Wheat Cent reverse that had been in production since 1909. Cross-referenced as Cohen 58-BA1010 and Hardy "58P-5BH+," this variety benefits from attribution in both major BIE reference systems, with the BH+ sub-classification designating the precise location within Hardy position 5. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins on June 12, 2016, this BIE preserves a die failure from the very last year of Victor David Brenner's original wheat ears reverse design. BIE die breaks occur when a vertical stress fracture develops in the die between the B and E of LIBERTY, and the resulting crack fills with metal during striking to produce a raised bar resembling an extra letter I. The 1958 Philadelphia Mint struck 252,525,000 Wheat Cents before the Lincoln Memorial reverse replaced the wheat ears design in 1959, and these final-year coins represent the end of a forty-nine-year production run. Terminal-year varieties hold particular appeal for collectors who appreciate the historical bookend they represent. The "58P-5BH+" Hardy designation places this at position 5 in the LIBERTY inscription with specific sub-positioning, adding precision to the catalog entry that helps researchers distinguish between multiple BIEs occupying similar but not identical locations.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Earl M
• Cross references: Cohen 58-BA1010, Hardy Not Listed “58P-5BH+” 06/12/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References