1993D-1DER-024WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Jean Lee's second 1993-D discovery stands out for the sheer extent of its reverse die scratching. Vertical die scratching is visible in all eleven bays of the Lincoln Memorial — every opening between and beyond the twelve columns — with the strongest concentration in bays 5, 6, and 7, the central bays behind the seated Lincoln statue. This widespread, uniform pattern typically results from die lapping, where an abrasive compound is worked across the die face in a consistent direction, leaving fine parallel grooves that transfer onto struck coins as faint raised lines. The scratching appearing in all bays but strongest in the center suggests polishing pressure was greatest at the die's midpoint, a consequence of the tool's curvature matching the die's concave profile. On the obverse, a die gouge to the right of the E in WE provides a clean attribution point. The WS suffix confirms both fluting and step deviation were observed. Cataloged at Stage B mid-die-state — lapping scratches are deliberate maintenance, not progressive deterioration. Struck at Denver on copper-plated zinc planchets, 2.5 grams, 19mm, plain edge.

Die Markers

• Stage “B”, obverse is MDS – a die gouge is seen to the right of the E in WE.
• Reverse is MDS – vertical dies scratching is seen in all bays, with the strongest seen in bays 5, 6 and 7.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jean Lee
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References