2003D-1DER-001WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Light fluting line extensions enter the stylobate under columns 2 and 3, with a light step deviation under columns 5 through 8, marking the distinctive reverse trail die characteristics of 2003D-1DER-001WS for the 2003-D Lincoln Memorial Cent. Stage C is the late die state for both faces: the obverse LDS shows die gouges around LIBERTY and a die gouge left of the mintmark; the reverse LDS shows short light die scratches from the memorial base, a die gouge above FG (Frank Gasparro's initials), and light parallel die scratches from the right memorial base tip. Discovered by Bob Piazza of Florida, this variety contributes to the well-documented Trail Dies series for Lincoln Memorial Cents. Trail die reverse varieties on Memorial Cents arise when the die develops progressive fluting or channeling in the field, producing linear artifacts that trace across the memorial building's architectural features. The 2003-D Lincoln Memorial Cent was struck in copper-plated zinc — the composition used from 1982 onward — at the Denver Mint.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bob Piazza
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References