1987P-1DER-012WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Presenting some of the richest architectural detail in the 1987 Philadelphia trail die census, 1987P-1DER-012WS was found by Louis Schaeffer and features a 170-degree offset — nearly due south — with heavy to moderate step deviation under columns 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, plus a strong fluting line extension into the stylobate under columns 10, 11, and 12. The stylobate — the continuous base platform upon which the Memorial columns rest — is a design element unique to the Lincoln Memorial reverse, and trail effects that reach this architectural feature indicate substantial hub displacement during the secondary impression. Step deviation measures how far the entrance steps have been displaced from their intended position, and heavy deviation across five central columns documents a forceful southward hub shift. Column fluting — the appearance of shallow grooves on or below column shafts — extending into the stylobate under three additional columns demonstrates that the trail effects radiate beyond the primary impact zone. Despite this rich trail morphology, the coin condition is noted as detrimental, limiting the visual impact on this particular specimen. Stage C at LDS shows heavy horizontal die scratching around Lincoln's bust on the obverse, while the reverse carries heavy horizontal scratching through EPU and over ONE CENT — extensive surface damage typical of a die approaching retirement. 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.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Louis Schaeffer
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References