1993D-1DER-018WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

C. L. Long of North Carolina discovered the 018WS, a variety whose reverse markers reference one of the most overlooked features on the Lincoln Memorial cent: Frank Gasparro's designer initials, FG, tucked into the lower right between the building and the rim. A die scratch appears to the right of and below these initials, while a second sits inside the O of ONE. Combined with the trail die effect — strong to moderate fluting under columns 2 and 3, moderate step deviation under columns 5 through 8, offset at 190 degrees — these create a distinctive attribution profile. The die state notation of Stage B late-mid-die-state (LMDS) is itself unusual in this census, where most entries are classified as MDS or LDS. LMDS indicates a die past its midpoint wear but not yet showing the advanced deterioration of late die state. The obverse shows no notable markers. Long's find adds geographic breadth to a census drawing contributors from Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, and Washington state, reflecting the nationwide network of roll searchers active during the 1990s. Struck at Denver on copper-plated zinc planchets, 2.5 grams, 19mm, plain edge.

Die Markers

• Stage “B”, obverse is LMDS – none noted.
• Reverse is LMDS – die scratch in the O of ONE. Die scratch to the right and below the designer’s initials.

Attribution History

• Discovered by C
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References