1988P-1DEO-002T Trail Die Obverse

Description

Discovered by Louis Schaeffer, 1988P-1DEO-002T on the 1988 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent exhibits trail lines emanating from the top left corners of the LIBERTY letters, with the trail offset measured at 340 degrees — nearly due north with a slight westward lean. The 340-degree offset indicates the direction the hub shifted or tilted relative to the die face during the hubbing process, causing design elements to leave faint trailing impressions in that directional vector. Trail lines from LIBERTY are among the more visible trail die manifestations on Lincoln cents because the raised lettering creates distinct linear traces when displaced, unlike portrait details where trailing impressions blend into the surrounding hair or facial contours. This specimen in Stage C (late die state) carries an obverse die dot between the G and O of GOD and a die gouge between the R and U of TRUST — markers that persist into the late die state despite general surface deterioration. The reverse in late die state shows no significant markers. Trail die varieties on Lincoln Memorial cents from the 1980s are relatively plentiful compared to earlier decades, reflecting both higher production volumes at Philadelphia and increased collector awareness that led to more systematic die examination. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm. Reverse die is LDS – none noted.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Louis Schaeffer
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References