CU-1C-1972D-09R Cud

Description

Ninth in the reverse cud sequence for the 1972-D Lincoln Memorial cent, CU-1C-1972D-09R documents yet another instance where a Denver Mint reverse die suffered catastrophic rim failure during the high-volume production runs of 1972. When a die develops a cud, the separated fragment leaves behind a cavity in the die face — and since dies produce an incuse (recessed) impression of the coin's design, a missing section of die translates to a raised, flat area on every coin subsequently struck from that die. The result is an unmistakable featureless plateau rising from the rim into the design area, obliterating whatever lettering, devices, or architectural detail formerly occupied that zone. Cataloged by the Cuds on Coins research team under the cross-reference designation CU-1C-1972D-09R, this variety bears the "R" suffix indicating reverse placement. Each cud receives its own sequential number because the position, size, and shape of every die break is unique — no two cuds look alike, as the fracture path through die steel follows unpredictable grain boundaries and stress concentrations specific to each individual die. The 1972-D Lincoln cent's massive production volume meant that dies were pushed well beyond their normal service life, and the resulting fatigue failures produced a rich population of cud varieties that make this date one of the more productive hunting grounds for die break collectors searching through rolls and bags of circulated cents.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• CU-1C-1972D-09R
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References