1993D-1DER-025T Trail Die Reverse

Description

Michael Pope of Illinois contributed his second variety to the census with the 025T, documented through precisely localized die scratches on both surfaces. On the obverse, die scratches appear just below the D mint mark — close enough to the mint mark to serve as a paired reference, but distinct from the serif-level gouge Pope cataloged on his first find, the 022T. On the reverse, three short die scratches emanate from the upper curve of the last S in STATES. The specification "upper curve" narrows the origin point to approximately the 10-to-12 o'clock position on the letter's terminal arc, an area perhaps 0.3mm across. The word "short" distinguishes these from the longer die scratches that can span several millimeters of die surface; short scratches often result from small, hard particles trapped between the die face and the polishing medium, creating brief, localized marks before the particle dislodges or breaks apart. The T suffix indicates tilted trail lines rather than wavy step deviation. At Stage C late die state, both the obverse and reverse show the accumulated wear of extended service. Struck at Denver on copper-plated zinc planchets, 2.5 grams, 19mm, plain edge.

Die Markers

• Stage “C”, obverse is LDS – die scratches are seen just below the mint mark.
• Reverse is LDS – three short die scratches are seen from the upper curve of the last S in STATES

Attribution History

• Discovered by Michael Pope
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References