2002P(IN)-25DER-001T Trail Die Reverse

Description

Discovered by Steve Bernatowicz and documented by the Trail Dies expert, this 2002 Indiana State Quarter reverse trail die represents Stage C of the die's documented progression — a late die state (LDS) characterized by a die crack along the bottom of the bust into the field and strong die deterioration across the working face. Trail dies are a specific category of die deterioration in which metal fatigue causes the die steel to develop fine raised lines across the design, sometimes resembling trail marks; in advanced stages the die face shows generalized weakness and breaking, as seen here with the pronounced crack at the bust line. Indiana State Quarters were produced at Philadelphia in 2002 as part of the 50 State Quarters program, struck in clad composition (copper core, cupro-nickel cladding). Trail die varieties are cataloged by the Trail Dies reference using a standardized notation — 2002P(IN)-25DER-001T identifies this as the first trail die reverse listed for the 2002-P Indiana quarter. The Stage C LDS classification and the bust-to-field die crack make this a visually dramatic example of late die state deterioration, where the structural limits of the working die have been pushed well beyond normal retirement thresholds.

Die Markers

• Stage "C", obverse is LDS – a die crack is seen along the bottom of Washington's bust, entering into the field on the left side. Strong die deterioration flow lines are seen on either side of the T in QUARTER.
• Reverse is LDS – a die crack is seen on the left tire of the race car.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Steve Bernatowicz
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References