2011P-5DEO-002T Trail Die Obverse

Description

Discovered by Tanaka (Mikee) Davis, this 2011 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel is a trail die obverse — a variety created during die changeover in the coining press, capturing the transitional moment when one die ends its service and is replaced. Trail die obverse varieties are less commonly cataloged than their reverse counterparts, making this example notable within the trail die specialty. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, this coin was observed in Stage C, a late die state. The obverse carries a small die gouge in the top of Jefferson's hair, a localized surface defect that developed during the die's extended use. The reverse, also in late die state, shows many small die dots scattered across the left side of the die — a pattern suggesting widespread die surface deterioration or pitting from corrosion. The concentration of die dots on one side of the reverse may reflect uneven die wear caused by slight press misalignment or asymmetric striking pressure. Felix Schlag's Jefferson portrait, substantially modified over the decades since its 1938 debut, provides a high-relief surface where die gouges like the one in the hair are readily detectable.

Die Markers

• Stage “C“, obverse is LDS – a small die gouge is seen in the top of Jefferson’s hair.
• Reverse is LDS – many small die dots are encountered on the left side of the reverse die.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Tanaka (Mikee) Davis
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References