1987P-1DER-002WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Recorded at Stage B in mid-die state, 1987P-1DER-002WS on the 1987 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent occupies the wide spread reverse classification without a listed offset degree or specific trail effect description, placing the attribution weight squarely on its die marker set. The obverse marker is a die gouge in the upper loop of the 9 in the date — a location within the numeral's curved stroke that is both anatomically specific and resistant to confusion with similarly positioned features on other dies, since the upper loop of a 9 has a small, well-defined geometry where any surface irregularity stands out under magnification. The reverse carries a die gouge under the right Memorial base, anchoring the reverse identification in the architectural foundation of the building where die stress often concentrates during prolonged striking runs. Mid-die state classification for a wide spread reverse trail die indicates the trail effects developed during the hubbing process were present from the die's first use but became documentable once the die had been in service long enough for accompanying surface markers to develop. The wide spread mechanism — lateral hub shift without tilting — produces uniform displacement across the contact area, and on the Memorial reverse the architectural columns, steps, and base elements serve as precision gauges for detecting even minor deviations from the standard design positions. 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.

Die Markers

• Stage “B”, obverse is MDS – die gouge in the upper loop of 9 in the DATE.
• Reverse is MDS– die gouge under the right base of the Memorial building.

External References