2004D-1DER-007WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Discovered by Patrick Gaughan of Pennsylvania, this 2004-D Lincoln Memorial Cent trail die reverse variety documents progressive die deterioration on a Denver Mint cent from one of the final years of the Memorial reverse design. Die markers at Stage B show the obverse at mid die state with no significant markers noted, placing the attribution burden on the reverse. The reverse, also at mid die state, carries a die dot beneath the left base tip and a distinctive V-shaped die gouge positioned over bay 9 of the Lincoln Memorial. The V-shaped gouge over bay 9 provides a particularly memorable diagnostic, as its geometric shape stands out against the rectilinear architectural elements of the Memorial design. Trail die varieties result from progressive die surface degradation during production runs, distinct from hub doubling that occurs during die manufacture. Gaughan's discovery adds to the documented inventory of trail die varieties on late-production Memorial Cents, a period when the familiar reverse design was approaching its final years before the 2009 redesign.

Die Markers

• Stage “B”, obverse is MDS – none noted.
• Reverse is MDS – die dot under left base tip. V shaped die gouge over bay 9.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Patrick Gaughan
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References