1993D-1DER-004WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Advanced die deterioration sets the 004WS apart from most of its census companions. At Stage C late die state, this reverse die developed a large die crack through column 9 and two closely spaced die chips in column 10 — structural failures signaling a die nearing the end of its useful life. Die cracks form when hardened steel can no longer absorb the compressive stress of striking, and a crack through a full column would have been visible on every coin struck after its formation, appearing as a raised line on the finished piece. The trail die characteristics include moderate fluting into the stylobate under columns 2 and 3, with light to moderate step deviation under columns 5, 6, and 7 at a 200-degree offset — the widest angle among the early entries in this census. That 200-degree bearing means the die's lateral displacement angled slightly past due south, producing a directional skew that differs perceptibly from the 180- and 190-degree varieties documented elsewhere. The obverse shows no notable markers. Struck at Denver on copper-plated zinc planchets, 2.5 grams, 19mm, plain edge.

External References