1993P-1DER-038WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Die markers involving reverse inscriptions provide some of the most precise positional references in Lincoln Memorial cent attribution, and 1993P-1DER-038WS on the 1993 Philadelphia cent uses E PLURIBUS UNUM as its primary landmark. A die dot sits above the L of PLURIBUS — a tiny raised point resulting from a small pit in the die surface — while a die crack accompanied by a die chip appears in column 1 of the Memorial. Die dots are among the smallest attributable features on a coin, typically requiring 10x or higher magnification to confirm, and their precise position relative to the nearby letter makes misattribution to a different die extremely unlikely. Column 1 once again appears as a failure location, reinforcing the pattern across the 1993 trail die census where this leftmost column absorbs disproportionate damage. This Stage B, mid-die state variety shows no notable obverse die markers, meaning the obverse die was in relatively clean condition when paired with this reverse. When an obverse shows no markers, it is likely in early-to-mid service or was recently dressed — ground down to remove accumulated damage. The reverse die's combination of a die dot and column crack places it further along in its deterioration progression.

Die Markers

• Stage “B”, obverse is MDS – none observed.
• Reverse is MDS – die dot above the L of PLURIBUS. Die crack with die chip in column 1.

External References