1994 Lincoln Cent

[dvn]

Received this 1994 Lincoln cent in pocket change the other day.

Exhibits rim-to-rim die crack extending approximately from 12:00 o'clock to near 5:30 o'clock. Anybody seen one before?

Under a stereoscope, the right half of the coin sits slightly lower than the left side of the crack. If after a few more strike this was to break off the die, my question is which side would be breaking off or aka the cud? Left or right side?

The image is pretty large and I didn't want it to load here on this thread. The URL address for the image is:

http://www.dvnmagazine.com/1994retaineddiecrack.jpg

Billy (dvn)

edited to add: Here's a 1998 reverse die crack. Again, the right side sits lower than the left side of the crack. Which side falls away from the working die making the cud?

http://www.dvnmagazine.com/1998retaineddiecrack.jpg

[1sgret]

Billy: That would be hard to determine but being a betting man I would say the right side if it did,

However I believe you would have a Shattered Die before that happens as it is very close to that now. I have only seen a dime that had a 1/2 coin cud on the obverse and it was on the left side. (My thoughts only)

Excellent example of a nice die crack.

[mustbebob]

I would think that it depends on whether the cracked die is the hammer or anvil die. I would also guess that on the bottom die, the part of the die that sits the lowest would be the part that breaks off. In the case of the hammer die, the broken portion probably gives way a bit on each strike, and in this case it would sit a bit higher.
This is just a theory on my part, but an excellent question.

[JeanK]

That is definitely a super nice coin and great picture Billy.
I have a bu 1944S Jefferson nickel with a similar reverse die break. Would it be correct to list it as a cud in my database?
Jean

[mustbebob]

Jean, I believe a rim to rim die crack, where it shows some difference in depth from one side to the other, is known as a retained cud.

[RWBILLER]

Hi:
That is a nice error.
congts roger

[1jackel1]

Very nice coin and i do have a similar one like it but it is smooth line and it is 1998 and the crack is on the reverse, it is an interesting error, i will get it out and post a picture of it.

Very nice coin and excellent picture.
George

[abe]

Outstanding example, first one i've seen go rim to rim. I have numerous cents with die cracks, some with 3 and 4 separate die cracks, what a great find.