CU-5c-1973D-03 Cud

Description

Third in the documented cud census for 1973-D Jefferson nickels, CU-5c-1973D-03 records a rim die break on a coin produced during an era of heavy nickel production at the Denver Mint. Cross-referenced as JNC-73D-2 in the Jefferson nickel cud reference system, this variety has been independently verified outside the Cuds on Coins database. Jefferson nickels from 1973-D saw a mintage of 261.4 million pieces, struck in the standard 75% copper, 25% nickel composition that has characterized the denomination since its 1938 introduction. Felix Schlag's original Monticello reverse and left-facing Jefferson portrait were still in use during this period, a design that would continue largely unchanged until the Westward Journey modifications of 2004-2005. Rim cuds on nickels present somewhat differently than on copper cents because the harder nickel-alloy planchet resists metal flow into the die void more than softer copper, sometimes producing a cud with slightly less height and more defined edges. The three documented cud varieties for the 1973-D nickel (CU-5c-1973D-01 through -03) suggest that die rim failures were not uncommon for this particular date-mintmark combination, potentially reflecting die steel quality or striking pressure settings specific to the Denver facility during that production run. Collectors assembling a comprehensive Jefferson nickel cud set will find the 1973-D date represented by multiple distinct die breaks, each preserving a different rim failure event and offering variety within the date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Fred Weinberg
• Cross reference number: JNC-73D-2
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References