1993 (D) Lincoln Memorial Cent - D-1DER-012WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Light wavy steps under columns 6, 7 and 8 and a moderate run of fluting from column 11 into the stylobate are what TrailDies records for 1993D-1DER-012WS. Its code breaks down into the date with the Denver mint letter, 1 for one cent, DER for the reverse, file 012, and WS, the tag for wavy steps: stair lines that look bent because trails cut across them. Everything points due south, 180°, toward the coin's lower edge. TrailDies found no die markers on either side of its middle-die-state example, so the step pattern itself is the main guide. Bob Piazza of Florida found this die. The common explanation is die polishing with a rotary tool; others think the lines come from the die moving against the hub.

External References