1994D-1DER-003WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Recorded by Trail Dies at Stage B, the 1994D-1DER-003WS wavy-step trail die reverse on the 1994 Denver Lincoln Memorial cent presents a useful study in die marker documentation. The obverse at mid-die-state shows no noted markers, which itself carries diagnostic value — the absence of obverse anomalies helps narrow attribution by eliminating other die pairs that share similar reverse characteristics but differ on the obverse. The reverse, also at mid-die-state, displays a die scratch between the C and E of CENT, along with horizontal die scratches visible in the left side bays of the Memorial. These horizontal scratches in the bays are particularly noteworthy on a trail die variety because they occupy the same architectural zone where the wavy-step effect manifests, requiring careful examination to distinguish the intentional step design, the trail die distortion, and the superimposed die scratches. Each feature has a different origin: the steps are part of the original design, the wavy distortion is a die wear phenomenon, and the scratches result from mechanical contact during die handling or service.

Die Markers

• Stage “B”, obverse is MDS – none noted
• Reverse is MDS – die scratch between the C and E of CENT. Horizontal die scratches are seen in the left side bays.

External References