1988 Transitional Reverse Design WTRD-003

Description

Cataloged as CONECA Die #5 in the independent CONECA numbering system, WTRD-003 on the 1988 Lincoln Memorial cent represents one of the Philadelphia Mint's seven documented instances where a reverse die hubbed from the 1989-generation RDV-007 master was paired with a 1988-dated obverse die. Transitional reverse designs are among the most intellectually engaging varieties in Lincoln cent numismatics because they document a systemic manufacturing event rather than a random die accident: the Mint's die shop produced working dies from the wrong-generation hub, shipped them to Philadelphia, and they entered production without anyone recognizing the discrepancy. The design differences between the standard 1988 reverse (RDV-006) and the transitional 1989 reverse (RDV-007) involve subtle modifications to the FG initials positioning and fine architectural details of the Lincoln Memorial — differences that require careful side-by-side comparison with a known standard-reverse example to detect. Cherry-picking for transitional reverses rewards the patient collector who examines large quantities of 1988-P cents under magnification, comparing the overall reverse "feel" against established reference images. Each WTRD variety is confirmed by its unique set of die markers, which distinguish one transitional reverse die from another within the same hub-identity group. Attributed by the Wexler Team, struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Attribution History

• CONECA Die #5; Wexler Variety ID: 1988 1¢ WTRD-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References