1988 (D) Lincoln Memorial Cent - Transitional Reverse Design WTRD-010

Description

Crawford's independent catalog lists this as CTRD-009, confirming the variety through dual attribution. The sheer number of transitional reverse varieties for the 1988-D date — thirteen Wexler-cataloged examples — reflects the scale of the hub mix-up at Denver: multiple reverse dies received impressions from the wrong-generation hub before the discrepancy was identified, and those dies entered production across different press lines over an extended period. Each WTRD variety represents a distinct die, identifiable by its unique constellation of die markers that accumulate through handling, installation, and the striking process itself. For collectors, the transitional reverse series on 1988-D cents offers a case study in how a single manufacturing deviation propagates through an industrial coining operation, creating a population of related but individually distinct varieties. Attribution requires careful comparison of die markers against published references, as the transitional hub design differences are subtle enough to escape casual observation. Struck at Denver on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Cross References

• Crawford: CTRD-009; Wexler Variety ID: 1988-D 1¢ WTRD-010

External References