CU-1c-1864-02R(CN) Cud

Description

Second reverse cud documented on the copper-nickel composition 1864 Indian Head Cent, CU-1c-1864-02R(CN) records a major die break at the reverse rim where a piece of the die separated completely, producing a raised featureless mass at the coin's edge. The copper-nickel composition designation "(CN)" is essential for distinguishing this variety from cuds on the bronze 1864 Indian Head Cents, since both compositions were produced during this transitional year. The shift from copper-nickel to bronze in 1864 was motivated by wartime material needs — nickel was a strategic metal during the Civil War, and the lighter bronze planchets also reduced production costs. The copper-nickel alloy (88% copper, 12% nickel) is harder than the bronze replacement, transmitting greater striking forces to the die and potentially contributing to more frequent rim failures. Reverse cuds on Indian Head Cents affect James Barton Longacre's laurel wreath (or, on later issues, oak wreath with shield) design and the ONE CENT denomination within it. As the second documented reverse cud on the copper-nickel 1864 cent, this variety establishes that at least two reverse dies experienced terminal rim fractures during the final production run of this composition. The Philadelphia Mint was the sole operating facility during the Civil War, handling all coinage production with dies manufactured on-site. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this variety is part of the broader documentation of die breaks across the historically significant 1864 Indian Head Cent transition year.

External References