2012P-1DEO-024T Trail Die Obverse

Description

Discovered by Joe Koelling and cataloged by Trail Dies, the 2012P-1DEO-024T Trail Die Obverse on the Lincoln Shield Cent represents a die manufacturing anomaly where residual design impressions from another die or hub component transferred faintly onto this working die, producing subtle secondary images alongside the intended design on all coins struck from this die. Die markers at Stage B show the obverse in mid die state with a die crack visible in Lincoln's forehead — a structural failure in the die metal that appeared during production use — while the reverse is also in mid die state with a die crack beginning to form above the letters PLU of PLURIBUS. The convergence of trail die features with progressive die cracking on both sides makes this a particularly well-documented working die with multiple diagnostic characteristics. The Lincoln Shield Cent was struck on copper-plated zinc planchets weighing 2.5 grams with a diameter of 19.05 mm at the Philadelphia Mint. The Union Shield reverse, introduced in 2010 and designed by Lyndall Bass, features a prominently rendered shield with horizontal lines representing the states and vertical stripes representing Congress, symbolizing the unity of the nation that Lincoln preserved. Trail die varieties represent a growing area of die variety study that has expanded significantly with the adoption of modern imaging technology, as the subtle nature of trail die impressions often requires high-resolution photography and carefully controlled lighting to document and confirm. Joe Koelling's discovery of this variety demonstrates the productive role of individual researchers in expanding the numismatic knowledge base, with each new trail die cataloged contributing to the understanding of die manufacturing processes at the modern U.S. Mint.

Die Markers

• Stage “B“, obverse is MDS – a die crack is seen in Lincoln’s forehead.
• Reverse is MDS – a die crack is beginning to form above the letters PLU of PLURIBUS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Joe Koelling
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References