1987P-1DER-004WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

With no die markers observed on the obverse and all diagnostics concentrated on the reverse, 1987P-1DER-004WS on the 1987 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent presents an asymmetric attribution profile at Stage B in mid-die state. The reverse carries diagonal scratches through ONE and heavy scratching through the T of CENT — surface damage that overlaps with the scratching patterns documented on 1DER-003WS but in a distinct configuration, since 004WS lacks the date-area obverse scratching and under-base reverse scratching that characterize its census neighbor. The absence of obverse markers means attributors must rely entirely on the reverse diagnostic set, making the specific geometry of the scratching through ONE and the heavy damage through the T of CENT the defining identification features for this variety. Heavy scratching through a single letter — the T of CENT — creates a localized but visually prominent landmark where multiple scratch lines converge on a narrow design element, producing a distinctive interference pattern between the letter's serifs and strokes and the superimposed scoring. Wide spread trail die effects on the reverse are present beneath this surface damage, though their visibility may be partially obscured by the heavy scratching. Mid-die state classification indicates these features were documented before the die reached the advanced deterioration that typically triggers retirement from service. 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 – none observed
• Reverse is MDS – diagonal die scratches through ONE. Heavy die scratching through the T of CENT.

External References