1989P-1DER-006WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Reaching Stage C in late die state (LDS), the 1989P-1DER-006WS trail die reverse documents a die that accumulated substantial wear and deterioration during an extended production run. The trail features include moderate fluting under columns 2, 3, 11, and light fluting under column 12, paired with strong step deviation under columns 5 through 8 — the strongest step deviation among the 1989-P WS varieties, reflecting a hub displacement that left a pronounced secondary impression in the center of the Memorial staircase. The 190-degree trail offset aligns this variety with the 004WS and 005WS geometric family. Heavy die scratches traverse the obverse through the DATE, LIBERTY, and behind Lincoln's neck, while very heavy scratching covers the reverse — a surface condition consistent with a die in its final production phase where accumulated mechanical stress and repeated striking have left extensive linear marks across both surfaces. The severity of the scratching on this late die state specimen may partially obscure the fluting and step deviation features, creating an attribution challenge where the die markers are more prominent than the variety-defining trail evidence. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

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