CU-5c-1983P-15B Cud

Description

Documented by Cuds on Coins with no known cross-reference, CU-5c-1983P-15B is a cud error discovered on the 1983 Philadelphia Jefferson Nickel. An accompanying die crack is seen extending from the mid-bottom of the cud, indicating progressive die failure beyond the primary break. Cuds are among the most visually dramatic die errors, occurring when a section of the die rim fractures and separates, leaving a void that produces a raised, featureless mass of metal on every subsequent coin struck by that die. The "15B" suffix in the catalog designation indicates this is a secondary die state or variant of the 15th documented cud position on 1983-P Jefferson Nickels, with the "B" denoting a later die stage or slightly different break configuration than the primary "15" listing. The die crack extending from the mid-bottom of the cud is diagnostically significant because it reveals the fracture propagation path — die cracks typically radiate outward from the primary break point as stress concentrations develop in the weakened die, and their presence confirms the die continued in service for some period after the initial rim separation occurred. The 1983 Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel, 5.000 grams, 21.2 mm diameter). Felix Schlag's obverse portrait of Thomas Jefferson and his Monticello reverse design have graced the nickel since 1938. Cud varieties on Jefferson Nickels are systematically cataloged by position around the rim, creating a comprehensive census of die failure events across the series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Fred Weinberg
• Cross reference: none. A die crack is seen from the mid-bottom of the cud.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References