2013 (P) Jefferson Nickel - P-5DER-002WSTA Trail Die Reverse

Description

TrailDies records 2013P-5DER-002WSTA as the first wavy-step die reported on a Jefferson nickel. Lines start at the bottoms of Monticello's windows and columns and cross the entrance stairs, giving them the bent look familiar from Lincoln cents; more come off MONTICELLO, FIVE CENTS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The direction is 190°. In the code, 2013P is the date and mint, 5 the nickel, DER a reverse design extension and 002 the file; WST means wavy steps and trails, and TrailDies does not explain the closing A. Two die states are pictured: Jim Karnes found stage A, and George dePozsgay found the later stage B, which adds a chip and crack at the building's upper right corner and a crack from below the designer's initials to the rim. Trails are usually attributed to die polishing; some attribute them to die-to-hub movement.

Die Markers

• Stage “A”
• Obverse is MDS – none noted.
• Reverse is MDS – none noted.
• Stage “B”
• Obverse is LDS – die chips are seen in the letters E and T of LIBERTY.
• Reverse is LDS -a die chip with a die crack is seen on the right upper corner of the Monticello building. Another die crack is seen under the designer’s initials to the rim .

External References