2013P-5DEO-001T Trail Die Obverse

Description

Identified as 2013P-5DEO-001T, this trail die obverse variety occurs on the 2013 Philadelphia-struck Jefferson nickel from the Return to Monticello series that began in 2006. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter, featuring Jamie Franki's forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson that replaced the original Schlag profile in 2006. This variety is documented at Stage "A", an early die state, with no notable obverse markers. The reverse is also at early die state with no significant markers, though dimples are present on the lettering, a common production artifact in modern die manufacturing. Michael Taylor is credited with discovering this die. Trail die varieties on modern nickels are relatively uncommon finds, as the U.S. Mint's contemporary quality control procedures are more rigorous than in earlier eras. The trail die phenomenon occurs when a working die inadvertently contacts another die or hub, transferring faint ghost impressions of design elements. The Jefferson Nickels Return to Monticello 2006 to Date series restored Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse while introducing a new obverse portrait, and trail die varieties on this design type are actively cataloged by the Trail Dies reference project. Collectors should examine the obverse carefully for any faint displaced design elements characteristic of the trail die contact event.

Die Markers

• Stage “A“, obverse is EDS – none noted
• Reverse is EDS – none noted (dimples are present on the lettering).

Attribution History

• Discovered by Michael Taylor
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References