CU-1C-1982-16 Cud

Description

Fifteenth in the 1982 Philadelphia cud census, CU-1C-1982-15 documents another confirmed die rim failure on the Zinc Large Date cent. Cuds occupy a unique position within error numismatics because they are simultaneously mechanical failures and collectible artifacts — each one the permanent record of a working die's terminal breakdown, preserved in metal for future examination. The physical process that creates a cud begins with microscopic stress fractures in the die rim, often initiated at machining marks or internal grain boundaries in the die steel. Under the relentless cyclic loading of high-speed coining — where each die delivers millions of strikes at pressures measured in tons — these micro-cracks propagate until a segment of the rim detaches completely. Philadelphia was striking billions of Lincoln cents in 1982, and the mid-year transition from bronze to copper-plated zinc planchets may have introduced additional stress on dies as operators adjusted press tonnage for the lighter, softer blanks. The Zinc Large Date composition (2.5 grams, copper-plated zinc) and large date punch style distinguish this subtype from the three other Philadelphia configurations produced that year. Attribution by Cuds on Coins.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Steve Young
• CU-1C-1982-16
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References