1994D-1DER-001WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Documented by Trail Dies, the 1994D-1DER-001WS is a wavy-step trail die reverse on the 1994 Denver Lincoln Memorial cent. Trail dies produce a distinctive visual effect on the Lincoln Memorial's staircase — the normally straight, horizontal steps appear wavy or undulating, the result of a die surface irregularity that distorts the step design as the die wears. The "WS" suffix confirms this variety belongs to the wavy-step subclass. This specimen is recorded at Stage B, indicating a mid-progression die state. On the obverse, which is at a mid-die-state, a die gouge appears under the R of LIBERTY. The reverse, also at mid-die-state, shows a small die gouge over the left cornice tip. These die markers serve as the attribution fingerprint, tying any given coin to this specific die pair. Trail die varieties are distinct from doubled dies in that they arise from die surface degradation and wear patterns rather than from hub misalignment during die manufacture.

Die Markers

• Stage “B”, obverse is MDS – die gouge under R of LIBERTY.
• Reverse is MDS – small die gouge over left cornice tip.

External References