2004P-5DEO-003T Trail Die Obverse

Description

Cataloged by Trail Dies as 2004P-5DEO-003T, this Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel from the Westward Journey Peace Medal series exhibits a trail die obverse variety. This die was found by Bear Johnson. Trail dies develop when linear raised features form on a working die through metal flow during the striking process, transferring as distinctive trails onto the struck coins. In Stage B, the obverse is in mid-die state with a small die gouge visible to the left of the W in WE. The reverse is also in mid-die state with two small die gouges in and around the OU of LOUISIANA. The 2004 Peace Medal nickel is part of the Westward Journey series commemorating the Lewis and Clark expedition, featuring a reverse design depicting the peace medal presented to Native American chiefs during the journey. This special reverse by Norman E. Nemeth replaced the standard Monticello design for 2004. Struck in the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel composition, trail die varieties on Westward Journey nickels are collected as a distinct class of die deterioration documenting metal flow patterns unique to each affected die.

Die Markers

• Stage “B“, obverse is MDS – a small die gouge is seen to the left of the W in WE.
• Reverse is MDS – two small die gouges are seen in and around the OU of LOUISIANA.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bear Johnson
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References