CU-1C-1986-02 Cud

Description

Cherry-picking cuds from circulation-strike Lincoln cents requires a systematic approach, and CU-1C-1986-02 on the 1986 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent is the type of variety that rewards methodical searching. Cherry-picking — the practice of examining coins individually to identify unattributed varieties — remains the primary discovery method for cuds, since these die breaks produce coins that pass through Mint quality controls and enter normal distribution channels. For 1986-P cents, the most productive sources include original bank-wrapped rolls saved by collectors during that era, bulk unsearched lots from coin dealers, and accumulated change jars from the late 1980s. The copper-plated zinc composition of post-1982 cents creates a distinctive tactile signature for cuds: the raised blob often feels slightly different in texture than the surrounding struck surface because the zinc core metal flowing into the die void lacks the copper plating's smoothness. Experienced roll searchers develop a fingertip sensitivity to this texture difference, allowing rapid screening before committing to magnified examination. CU-1C-1986-02 is cataloged under its own Cuds on Coins designation and stands as the second documented obverse die break for the date. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Fred Weinberg
• CU-1C-1986-02; number: none.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References