CU-5c-1986P-03 Cud

Description

Immediately following the -02 entry in the 1986 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel cud catalog, CU-5c-1986P-03 strengthens the case for progressive die failure — when two consecutive catalog numbers share the same date and mint, researchers investigate whether both cuds originated from a single die whose rim fractured at multiple points. Progressive rim failure occurs because the initial fracture redistributes stress to adjacent areas of the die rim, making secondary cracks more likely with each subsequent strike. If the die was not pulled from service after the first cud appeared, continued use could produce additional fractures before quality control intervened. Philadelphia's 536 million nickel output in 1986 required extensive die usage, and production pressures sometimes meant marginally damaged dies remained in service longer than ideal. Schlag's left-facing portrait of the third President placed specific relief demands on the obverse die rim, particularly near the high points of the hair detail and LIBERTY inscription. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this third cud establishes 1986-P as a multi-cud date for Jefferson Nickel die variety specialists.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Newman
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References