1988 Transitional Reverse Design WTRD-006

Description

Sharing the same obverse die as WTRD-001, WTRD-006 on the 1988 Lincoln Memorial cent demonstrates that the Philadelphia Mint paired at least two different transitional reverse dies with a single obverse die — a die-sharing relationship that provides valuable insight into production line die management practices. When two varieties share an obverse die but carry different reverse dies, the shared obverse markers serve as a confirmation bridge: collectors who have attributed one variety can verify the obverse match and focus their attention on distinguishing the reverses. Cross-referenced as CONECA Die #6, this variety is documented in two stages. In Stage A, the reverse exhibits a die crack from the left cornice through the I in UNITED to the rim — notably the same crack location as WTRD-001's Stage B reverse, raising the question of whether mint personnel may have tracked this specific crack feature across dies. Stage B develops a second die crack from the right Memorial base to the rim, indicating progressive die deterioration as the reverse die continued in service. The obverse markers match those documented for WTRD-001, including the scratches above and below ERTY of LIBERTY and the scratch between the vest and the top of the 1 in the date. Attributed by the Wexler Team and struck at the Philadelphia Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm. 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 Wayne Perry Cross References: CONECA: Die #6
• CONECA: Die #6; Wexler Variety ID: 1988 1¢ WTRD-006
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References