1988 Transitional Reverse Design WTRD-001
Error
Description
Carrying a 1989-generation reverse die (RDV-007) inadvertently paired with a 1988-dated obverse, WTRD-001 documents one of seven known transitional reverse design varieties for the Philadelphia-struck 1988 Lincoln Memorial cent. The variety exists in two documented die stages. In Stage A (early die state), the obverse shows several scratches extending northeast above ERTY of LIBERTY, two parallel scratches running west to east above the same letters, additional scratches running west-southwest to east-northeast below ERTY, and a scratch between the vest and the top of the 1 in the date. Stage B retains the same obverse markers as Stage A. On the reverse, Stage A presents a very early die state with no significant markers, while Stage B develops a die crack from the top of the left cornice through the I of UNITED to the rim — a progressive crack that confirms the die was used over an extended production run. This reverse die crack is cross-referenced as CONECA Die #3, linking WTRD-001 to the broader CONECA classification of 1988 transitional reverse dies. Transitional reverse designs arise when working dies hubbed from the next year's master are mistakenly shipped to a mint and placed into service with current-year obverse dies, creating coins whose reverse details subtly differ from the standard issue. Attributed by the Wexler Team and struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm. Die Markers: Obverse Stage A: Several die scratches extend NE above the ERTY of LIBERTY. Two parallel die scratches runs west to east above the ERTY of LIBERTY. Several die scratches run WSW to ENE below the ERTY of LIBERTY. A die scratch runs west to east between the vest and the top of the 1 in the date.
Attribution History
- Discovered by Billy G. Crawford and upgraded by Joseph Koelling Cross References: CONECA Die #3 This die crack is found on
- CONECA Die #3 This die crack is found on; Wexler Variety ID: 1988 1¢ WTRD-001
- Expert attribution by Wexler Team
External References
Community & Reference
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