1985D-1DEO-002T Trail Die Obverse

Description

Found by Aisha Shahid, the 1985D-1DEO-002T is a trail die obverse variety on the 1985 Denver Mint Lincoln Memorial cent recorded at Stage B. Unlike the companion 1985D-1DEO-001T variety, this die carries confirmed obverse markers: a die gouge next to the left side of the E in WE and a small die dot across from the 1 digit of the date on the vest line. The obverse is classified as mid-die state (MDS), while the reverse is also MDS with no significant markers noted. These two obverse diagnostics — the gouge near WE and the dot on the vest line — provide the attribution foundation that was lacking on 001T, allowing collectors to verify specimens against documented reference points rather than relying solely on the trail die characteristics. Trail die obverse varieties on Denver cents from this era are documented in limited numbers, making each confirmed specimen a meaningful addition to the census. The Stage B designation indicates moderate die use, suggesting earlier and later impressions from this die may exist with differing levels of trail line visibility. Struck on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm from the 1985 Denver mintage exceeding 5.65 billion cents.

Die Markers

• Stage “B “, obverse is MDS – A die gouge can be seen next to the left side of the E in WE. A small die dot can be seen across from the 1 digit of the date on the vest line.
• Reverse is MDS – none noted.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Aisha Shahid
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References