Cuds and Major Die Breaks

What this classification means

A broken die leaves raised metal on struck coins; a rim-connected break is commonly called a cud. A useful identification does more than name an unusual shape. It explains when in production the feature formed, what physical evidence should remain, and which ordinary forms of damage can imitate it.

Diagnostic evidence to record

Confirm the feature is raised, attached to the rim for a cud, repeatable by die state, and not displaced host metal.

Repeatable method: start with Error or damage?, then use the identification workflow and value guide. The page below should add evidence specific to this error class, variety, coin, or damage lookalike.
• Compare with certified examples and mint-production references, not viral price claims.

Common lookalikes and failure points

Rim hits, solder, plating bubbles, corrosion, and attached debris are often misidentified as cuds.

A practical examination sequence

1. Confirm the host coin. Identify denomination, design subtype, date, mint, composition, and expected weight.
2. Describe before naming. Write what the metal actually does without using a marketplace label.

Value factors