LDB45-1962-001 BIE Die Break

Description

Cataloged as LDB45-1962-001, this 1962 Lincoln Memorial Cent exhibits a distinctive BIE die break — one of the most popular and widely collected subcategories of die failure on the Lincoln cent series. BIE die breaks occur when a crack or chip develops in the die surface between the letters B and E in LIBERTY, filling the gap with raised metal that creates the visual appearance of the letter I, effectively spelling out "BIEERTY" or a similar configuration on the struck coin. What distinguishes this particular variety from a standard BIE is its classification as a "BIEIR" in the Cuds on Coins numbering system, indicated by the LDB45 prefix, meaning the die break occupies a specific positional variant within the BIE family. The variety represents a later stage of the die identified by Hardy as 62P-5SBLM-1, where a die chip between B and E developed into the characteristic BIE formation as the die continued to deteriorate through its production run, per the notation dated 02/21/2016. Cohen does not list this variety separately. Die breaks of this type are progressive — they begin as hairline cracks and widen over the die's service life, meaning early-stage specimens may show only a faint raised line while late-stage coins display a bold, fully formed I between the letters. The 1962 Philadelphia business strike mintage of 609,263,019 cents ensured heavy die usage, which accelerated the fatigue that produces these breaks. Attributed by Cuds on Coins, with cross-references to Cohen (Not Listed) and Hardy 62P-5SBLM-1.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Earl Williams
• Cross reference: Cohen Not Listed, Hardy Later stage of 62P-5SBLM-1 now has a Die Chip between B&E “BIE”. 02/21/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References