1989D-1DER-001WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Cataloged as a Wide Spread/Wavy Steps (WS) trail die, the 1989D-1DER-001WS reverse exhibits a single fluting line extension that produces a step deviation under column 7 of the Lincoln Memorial, with the trail offset measured at 200 degrees. Trail dies result from incomplete or misaligned hubbing during the die manufacturing process, where a secondary impression from the hub creates faint ghost-like lines or design elements on the working die. The WS designation indicates this specimen shows both wide spread separation between the primary and secondary hub impressions and the characteristic wavy distortion of the Memorial's staircase steps. Classified at Stage B with a mid-die state (MDS) designation, the obverse carries a die gouge to the left of the bottom of Lincoln's bust. The reverse displays a small gouge to the left of the T in UNITED. Trail die varieties on Lincoln Memorial cents are particularly collectible because the Memorial's fine architectural details — columns, steps, and bays — provide a high-resolution canvas where even subtle hubbing anomalies become visible. Struck at the Denver Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

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