PART IV. Die Errors:

Definition: Ordinary die cracks often appear as thin raised lines that can follow a somewhat erratic path. A rarer type of die crack is the bi-level die crack. In a bi-level die crack, there is a step instead of a raised line. The step reflects a slight sinking-in of the die face on one side of the crack.

The primary error on the 2001-P dime shown below is a 50% retained cud.  The retained cud shows significant vertical displacement along its entire course. It also shows horizontal offset as it runs through IN GOD WE TRUST.

Two bi-level die cracks can be seen on the right side of the coin. One branches off the retained cud and the other extends in from the design rim. A third bi-level die crack can be seen on the left side of the coin, branching off the retained cud and running down the side of Roosevelt’s face to the O of GOD   All three bi-level die cracks show characteristic vertical displacement.

In aggregate, these various manifestations of brittle fracture elevate this specimen to the status of a shattered die error.