LDB123-1992-001 BIE Die Break

Description

Among the most recognizable die break varieties in American numismatics, BIE die breaks occur when a small vertical crack forms between the B and E of LIBERTY on Lincoln cent obverse dies, producing a raised bar that resembles the letter I — making the legend appear to read "LIBIERTY." LDB123-1992-001 catalogs this phenomenon on a 1992 Philadelphia cent, using the Hardy Index classification system where the LDB prefix and position number 123 identify exactly where along the LIBERTY legend the break occurs. BIE varieties have attracted a dedicated collector following since the 1960s, partly because they are visually distinctive at low magnification and partly because the LIBERTY legend's position on the high-stress cheekbone area of the obverse die makes this zone particularly susceptible to fatigue cracking. The break initiates as a hairline crack connecting the bases or serifs of adjacent letters, then widens under repeated striking pressure until it produces a raised bar clearly visible to the unaided eye. The Hardy Index system catalogs hundreds of BIE positions across all dates of the Lincoln cent series, creating a comprehensive atlas of where and how these characteristic breaks manifest. Cataloged on November 5, 2018, this variety carries no cross-references to other attribution systems. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets, 2.5 grams, 19mm, plain edge.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Nick Shloyda
• Cross references: none. 11/05/2018
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References