1988P-1DER-002WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Exhibiting a 190-degree offset with specific structural effects on the Memorial architecture, 1988P-1DER-002WS on the 1988 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent documents a Wide Spread/Wavy Steps trail die reverse where the hubbing misalignment produced measurable distortion across multiple zones of the reverse design. A light fluting line extends into the stylobate under column 3, while moderate step deviation appears under columns 6, 7, and 8 — all oriented at the 190-degree offset angle, confirming a consistent directional vector for the hub's displacement during die manufacture. The concentration of step deviation under the central columns (6, 7, and 8) with lighter effects at column 3 suggests the hub's contact was most displaced at the die's center, with diminishing effect toward the periphery — a pattern consistent with a slight tilt rather than a parallel shift. This specimen in Stage B (mid-die state) carries a die scratch below Lincoln's shoulder on the obverse, while the reverse shows a small die dot on the right side of the vertical bar of the E in CENT. The 190-degree offset measurement is significant for trail die classification because it quantifies the exact direction of hub misalignment, enabling researchers to determine whether multiple WS varieties share the same hubbing event or represent independent incidents. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

External References