LDB4-1959D-001 BIE Die Break

Description

Cataloged by the Cuds on Coins reference as LDB4-1959D-001 and cross-referenced as Hardy 59D-4DL+1 (Cohen Not Listed), this 1959-D Lincoln Memorial Cent exhibits a BIE die break — a specialized class of die deterioration variety where a small die break between the letters B, I, and E of LIBERTY creates a raised vertical bar or bump that resembles an extra letter I between two of the existing letters. The "DL+" designation in the Hardy catalog indicates a break of one-half or more but less than three-quarters that extends below the lowest level of the letters, providing a standardized sizing classification within the BIE die break grading system. Catalog commentary notes this is the second rarest BIE found for the 1959-D date as listed in the BIE Handbook, establishing its relative scarcity within the die break collecting specialty. The documentation date of March 1, 2021 records when this variety was cataloged. The Lincoln Memorial Cent in 1959 represents the first year of Frank Gasparro's Memorial reverse design, replacing the wheat ears reverse that had served since 1909. The 1959-D was struck at the Denver Mint in standard bronze composition (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) weighing 3.11 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. BIE die breaks are a recognized collecting specialty within the Lincoln Cent series, with dedicated reference books and catalogs documenting these small die deterioration features across all dates and mints. The Hardy catalog's sizing classification system (using DL, DL+, and other designations) provides a standardized vocabulary for describing the extent of each BIE break, enabling collectors to compare and categorize specimens within a consistent framework. Victor David Brenner's LIBERTY inscription on the obverse provides the specific die break location.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Keith Christenson
• Cross references: Cohen Not Listed, Hardy 59D-4DL+1. 03/01/2021.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References