1988 (D) Lincoln Memorial Cent - Transitional Reverse Design WTRD-013

Description

Thirteen distinct die pairs represents an extraordinary count for a single transitional reverse event in the Lincoln cent series, suggesting that a substantial batch of reverse working dies received the wrong hub impression before the error was caught. For perspective, most transitional reverse events across all U.S. coin series involve one to three die pairs; the 1988-D count of thirteen indicates systemic rather than isolated misuse. The volume creates both opportunity and challenge for collectors: opportunity because multiple die varieties increase the chance of encountering at least one example in circulation or dealer stock, and challenge because completing the full set of thirteen requires locating specimens from thirteen different dies, each with its own population dynamics and survival rate. Struck at the Denver Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1988-D 1¢ WTRD-013

External References