1987D-1DER-007WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Carrying the most extensive die marker documentation of any entry in the 1987-D trail die census, 1987D-1DER-007WS was found by Cal Goddard and presents a wide spread reverse trail die with an unusually rich constellation of surface diagnostics. Stage C at late die state reveals extensive deterioration across both faces. The obverse alone catalogs four distinct marker categories: a die gouge to the right of the R in TRUST, gouges under the E in LIBERTY, die deterioration between the letters of LIBERTY, and die damage on Lincoln's nose. This density of obverse markers is exceptional — most trail die entries record one or two obverse diagnostics at most — and reflects a die that had endured severe service before being pulled from production. The reverse carries a group of die gouges clustered in the N of CENT, providing a concentrated diagnostic target that complements the distributed obverse marker set. For attributors working through the 1987-D wide spread reverse census, this variety's sheer abundance of die markers makes it one of the easiest to confirm: rather than relying on a single gouge or scratch, the examiner can cross-check multiple independent diagnostics across both faces, each of which must match to confirm attribution. The wide spread trail effects on the reverse add a further layer of confirmable detail. Struck at Denver on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm, from the 1987-D mintage of 4,007,632,740 cents.

Die Markers

• Stage “C “, obverse is LDS – a small die gouge is seen to the right of the R in TRUST. A group of small die gouges is seen under the E of LIBERTY. Also notice the die deterioration forming between the letters of LIBERTY. Some die damage is seen on Lincoln’s nose.
• Reverse is LDS – a group of small die gouges is seen in the N of CENT.

Attribution History

• Discovered by CAL GODDARD
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References