IDB-1c-1992-02R Interior Die Break

Description

Recorded as the second reverse interior die break for the 1992 Philadelphia Lincoln cent, IDB-1c-1992-02R sits at an intermediate point on the die failure continuum — larger and more structurally significant than a die chip, yet not extending to the rim as a cud would. Interior die breaks form when subsurface fatigue cracks within the die face coalesce and a fragment of die steel separates from the working surface entirely within the design field, never connecting to the die's edge. The resulting void in the die produces a raised, featureless area on struck coins that is fully surrounded by normal design elements — a diagnostic distinction from rim-connected cuds. On the Lincoln Memorial reverse, interior die breaks can appear anywhere within the architectural facade: between columns, across legend letters, or within the triangular pediment above the colonnade. The "02R" designation in the Cuds on Coins catalog places this as the second such variety documented for the reverse of 1992-P cents, implying that at least one other interior die break (presumably 01R or an obverse-designated variety) was cataloged from the same date and mint. No cross-references to other attribution systems have been established. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets, 2.5 grams, 19mm, plain edge.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Matthew Giangreco
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References