CU-5c-1984P-05R Rim Cud

Description

Fifth documented rim cud on the reverse of a 1984 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel, this variety preserves a major die break at the rim where a fragment of the die separated, leaving a cavity that filled with metal during striking to produce the characteristic raised featureless blob at the coin's edge. The R suffix confirms this cud appears on the Monticello reverse designed by Felix Schlag, which has served as the Jefferson Nickel reverse since the denomination's introduction in 1938. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins with no additional cross-references, die markers, or comments, CU-5c-1984P-05R represents a straightforward rim cud without the complicating factors of retained fragments or pre-cud stages. Five reverse cuds for a single date and mint is a notable count, reflecting the stresses that Jefferson Nickel dies endured during the 1984 production run at Philadelphia. Nickels are struck on relatively hard copper-nickel planchets (75% copper, 25% nickel) that place greater mechanical demands on dies compared to softer compositions, and the rim area bears the highest stress concentration during each strike cycle. The 1984 Philadelphia Mint nickel was produced during the modern clad era when production volumes were substantial and die pairs were used extensively before replacement, maximizing the opportunity for rim fractures to develop.

External References