2004P-5DEO-001T Trail Die Obverse

Description

Documented at Stage C late die state, this trail die variety appears on the 2004 Philadelphia Mint Peace Medal Nickel, part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series commemorating the Lewis and Clark expedition. Trail dies represent an unusual category of die variety where design elements from one die are inadvertently transferred to another through indirect contact during the manufacturing or setup process, distinct from a standard die clash which occurs during striking operations. The Peace Medal reverse, depicting the clasped hands design adapted from the peace medals that Lewis and Clark presented to Native American leaders, was one of two special reverses issued in 2004 alongside the Keelboat design. Discovered by Tanaka Davis, this trail die obverse is the first cataloged for the 2004-P Peace Medal issue. The Westward Journey series marked the first change to the Jefferson Nickel reverse since 1938 and generated substantial collector interest that led to thorough examination of the new designs for die varieties. Stage C late die state indicates this specimen comes from near the end of the die's service life, when accumulated wear and fatigue had already affected the die surface.

Die Markers

• Stage “C “, obverse is LDS – a small die gouge is seen behind the lobe of Jefferson’s nostril.
• Reverse is LDS – a small die dent is seen in the U of UNITED.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Tanaka Davis
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References