LDB1-1968D-001 BIE Die Break

Description

This 1968-D Lincoln cent exhibits a BIE die break — one of the most recognizable and widely collected die deterioration varieties in all of American numismatics. A BIE die break occurs when a small chip or crack develops in the die steel between the letters B and E of LIBERTY on the obverse, producing a raised vertical line on the struck coin that resembles the letter I, creating the visual impression of "LBIERTY" or "LI BERTY." The name "BIE" derives from this phantom letter effect. BIE die breaks are exclusive to the Lincoln cent series because they depend on the specific letter spacing and font geometry of the word LIBERTY as rendered on Victor David Brenner's obverse design, first introduced in 1909. The narrow gap between the B and E creates a zone of thin die steel that is particularly vulnerable to cracking under the repeated compressive forces of coin production. When this thin bridge of steel fractures, the resulting void fills with planchet metal during striking, producing the characteristic raised bar. BIE varieties are a popular entry point for beginning error collectors because they are often visible without magnification, readily available at modest cost, and exist for virtually every date in the Lincoln cent series. The 1968-D cent was struck at the Denver Mint during the first year mint marks returned after the Coinage Act of 1965 hiatus. Cataloged as LDB1-1968D-001 and attributed by Cuds on Coins. Struck on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Nolan Workman
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References