1982P-1DEO-001T Trail Die Obverse

Description

Cataloged by Trail Dies as 1982P-1DEO-001T, this trail die obverse variety on the 1982 Philadelphia Bronze Large Date cent documents a die that slid laterally across the planchet during the striking process, creating dragged or trailed impressions of the obverse design elements. Trail dies are among the more dramatic mechanical errors in the Lincoln cent series — the sliding motion produces elongated, ghost-like echoes of design features that differ fundamentally from the stationary secondary impressions of doubled dies. Die markers for this variety are documented at Stage "C" (a late die state designation): the obverse shows horizontal die scratches both over and under the OD of GOD, while the reverse (also in late die state) displays a die gouge in bay four of the Memorial along with curved die scratches. This die was discovered by Jason Cuvelier of New York. The bronze Large Date composition places this coin within the pre-transition production run, struck from the traditional 95% copper, 5% zinc alloy (3.1 grams) before Philadelphia switched to copper-plated zinc planchets mid-year. The late die state markers suggest this die saw extended service before its trail die characteristics were identified. Attribution by Trail Dies.

Die Markers

• Stage “C”, obverse is LDS – Horizontal die scratches both over and under the OD of GOD.
• Reverse is LDS – a die gouge is seen in bay four along with some curved die scratches.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jason Cuvelier
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References