1987P-1DER-001WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Leading the Philadelphia reverse trail die census for 1987, 1987P-1DER-001WS shows a 180-degree wide spread offset with light step deviation across columns 6 through 8 — the central entrance zone of the Lincoln Memorial where the horizontal step elements are most sensitive to vertical displacement. The 180-degree due-south offset mirrors the geometry seen on the first three 1987-D wide spread reverses, reflecting the consistent southward hub-shift tendency that may result from the mechanical configuration of the hubbing press feeding direction. Stage C at late die state carries an unusually dense set of die markers. The obverse records die scratches running east-to-west under WE, creating a horizontal scoring pattern below the motto. The reverse catalogues five distinct features: die scratches running east-to-west under the Memorial, a die clash under the left base, a die crack extending from the left base to the rim, and heavy die scratches above the right base. The die crack from base to rim documents a structural failure in the die that had progressed far enough to produce a visible raised line on struck coins — a late die state feature that, combined with the die clash evidence, indicates this reverse die had endured both mechanical impact and fatigue cracking before the trail effects were documented. Struck at Philadelphia (no mint mark) on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm, from the 1987 mintage of 4,682,466,931 cents.

External References