1955-D Lincoln Wheat Cent BIE

Yes...and no.

Technically it's a die chip, which is not really considered an error since it's a normal part of die use. In other words the Mint would not remove a die from use just because it has a die chip on it. They expect and accept that this happens. An 'error' is a coin that should not have made it out of the mint like it is.

BUT...people do collect these, and there is some mild premium value associated with it - especially if the particular die that struck it can be identified. Because this was damage to the die, they can be (and are) cataloged with die numbers, much like doubled dies and repunched mintmarks. They are listed as minor die errors because it is something that developed on the die, and every coin struck after its development reflects the abnormality. There's this as opposed to die varieties which were on the die when the die was created...doubled dies and the like.

Most late-date wheat cents with BIE type breaks sell for 50c-$1 in circulated grades, then for $1 or more (up to around $5) in BU grades. Some of them are known to be scarce and sell for more.

How frequently do BIE cents occur? Seeing as how it has its own glossary listing here, I'm assuming fairly frequently. Do certain years pop up more than others? and have they been found in most years?