PART IV. Die Errors:

Split Die:

Median (bisecting) split die

Definition: A split die develops when a rim-to-rim die crack extends deep into the die neck and die shank (shaft). The width of the split is proportional to its depth of penetration. Split dies usually divide the die face into two sub-equal parts. These may be termed “median”, “bisecting”, or “symmetrical” split dies. A width of .5 MM is the determination point which differentiates a rim to rim bisecting die crack from a split die.

1973-D nickel that shows a relatively narrow median split die on the reverse face. The split is straddled by a retained interior die break. An island of metal sank into surrounding softer steel, leaving part of Monticello sitting on a pedestal.

The 1973-D cent pictured above was struck by a split, capped die.  In other words, the coin was struck by a die that
had a wide median split and that was also covered by a late-stage die cap.  Split die errors often co-occur with capped die strikes.  It seems that when a planchet is struck, coin metal wedges itself into the split, causing the coin to stick to the die face. This coin is courtesy of Don Wenger.

1980-P nickel that shows a very wide median split die on the obverse face.

Narrow median split die spans the obverse face of this Italian 1943 20 cent.