1991P-1DER-006WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Extending the 1991 Philadelphia trail die reverse sequence into a sixth documented die pairing, 1991P-1DER-006WS captures a Stage B Mid Die State (MDS) specimen bearing distinctive diagnostic markers on both sides of the coin. The obverse die displays heavy diagonal die scratches running above ERTY of LIBERTY — a pattern of linear surface marks that developed as the die accumulated wear during production — along with a small die dot positioned to the right of and above the date. On the reverse, die scrapes appear under AMERICA, accompanied by a small gouge located between the rim and the left base of the Lincoln Memorial. Found by Louis Schaeffer, whose attribution work has contributed multiple trail die discoveries to the 1991 Philadelphia census, this variety adds another data point to the chronological reconstruction of die usage at Philadelphia during the 1991 cent production run. The MDS designation indicates the die had reached a moderate level of wear when this coin was struck, placing it squarely in the middle of the die's useful lifespan. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, weighing 2.5 grams and measuring 19mm.

Die Markers

• Stage “B “, obverse is MDS – heavy, diagonal die scratches are seen above the ERTY of LIBERTY. A small die dot is seen to the right and above the date.
• Reverse is MDS – die scrapes are seen under the word AMERICA. A small die gouge is seen between the rim and the  left base of the memorial building.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Louis Schaeffer
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References