2012P-1DEO-007T Trail Die Obverse

Description

Discovered by Sean Wilson, this 2012 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Shield Cent trail die obverse variety represents one of the documented trail die effects on the Shield reverse design introduced in 2010. Trail dies occur through progressive die surface deterioration during production, creating secondary ghost-like impressions distinct from the hub doubling mechanism that produces traditional doubled dies. Die markers at Stage B show the obverse at mid die state with a light die scratch extending from the lower L in LIBERTY, providing an obverse attribution anchor. The reverse, also at mid die state, displays a crack with an associated die chip on the shield edge near the corner, where the geometric shield design concentrates striking forces at angular transitions. Wilson's discovery documents how trail die effects manifest on the Shield Cent obverse, where Lincoln's portrait and surrounding inscriptions provide the design elements subject to the progressive deterioration that defines trail die varieties on this modern Philadelphia Mint issue.

Die Markers

• Stage “B“, obverse is MDS – light die scratch from lower L in LIBERTY.
• Reverse is MDS – crack with chip on shield edge near corner

Attribution History

• Discovered by Sean Wilson
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References