1988P-1DER-007WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Late die state evidence dominates the reverse of 1988P-1DER-007WS, a Wide Spread/Wavy Steps variety discovered by Louis Schaeffer on the 1988 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent. The WS classification indicates that during hubbing, the working die received design impressions that deviated from precise alignment, creating visibly wavy or irregularly spaced step lines in the Memorial building's staircase — a subtle but diagnostic feature best observed under magnification. At Stage C, the obverse shows early die state characteristics with a die dent through the U of TRUST, a localized defect that serves as a reliable attribution marker. The reverse, however, has progressed to late die state (LDS), displaying heavy die scratching through E PLURIBUS UNUM and below the Memorial building, along with three strong die scratches around the ON of ONE. This heavy scratching pattern suggests the die saw extended use and possibly underwent multiple polishing sessions to extend its service life, yet the inherent wavy step deviation — impressed into the die during manufacture — survived all surface maintenance. The contrast between the early-state obverse and late-state reverse implies the obverse die was replaced at least once during the reverse die's operational lifespan. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Die Markers

• Stage “C”, obverse is EDS – a die dent is seen through the U of TRUST.
• Reverse is LDS – heavy die scratching is seen through the EPU and below the memorial building. Three strong die scratches are seen around the ON of ONE.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Louis Schaeffer
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References