LDB6-1970D-001 BIE Die Break

Description

A classic BIE die break, LDB6-1970D-001 on the 1970-D Lincoln Memorial cent exhibits the characteristic vertical bar of raised metal between the B and E of LIBERTY that gives this popular error type its name. BIE die breaks occur when a vertical crack or chip develops in the die steel between these two letters, creating a void that fills with metal during striking to produce what appears to be the letter I inserted between B and E. The phenomenon is specific to Lincoln cents because the spacing and font of LIBERTY on the obverse create a natural stress zone between B and E where die cracks preferentially nucleate and propagate vertically. Cross-referenced as Cohen NL and Hardy 70D-6SEHM, this variety benefits from documentation across two established die break reference systems. The Cohen "NL" (not listed) notation indicates the variety was known but fell outside Cohen's primary numbering, while the Hardy 70D-6SEHM designation places it precisely within Hardy's comprehensive Lincoln cent die break catalog. BIE varieties are among the most widely collected Lincoln cent die breaks because they combine visual appeal — the phantom I is often visible without magnification — with a compelling narrative about how die failure can accidentally create recognizable letter forms. The 1970-D date's high production volume made it statistically likely to produce BIE breaks, and this example joins the broader constellation of die failures documented for this prolific variety date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Louis A
• Cross reference: Cohen NL, Hardy 70D-6SEHM. 01/16/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References