1996P-1DER-024WS Trail Die Reverse

Description

Discovered by Patrick Gaughan of Pennsylvania, this trail die reverse on a 1996 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial Cent shows a 180-degree rotation with moderate fluting line extension into the stylobate under columns 2 and 3, along with light to moderate step deviation under columns 5, 6, 7, and 8. Trail dies result from irregularities in the die surface created during production, leaving subtle raised lines or displaced design elements that appear as ghost-like traces on the struck coin. These varieties are distinct from doubled dies because they originate from die surface conditions rather than hub misalignment. At Stage B die state, the obverse is mid die state with a die dot over the 6 of the date, while the reverse is also mid die state with a die chip in the lower part of column 12. The specific references to Memorial columns and architectural elements — stylobate, steps, and numbered column positions — reflect the detailed classification system used for trail die varieties on Lincoln Memorial Cents, where Frank Gasparro's intricate reverse design provides numerous reference points for precise documentation.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Patrick Gaughan
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References