2013P-5DER-003T Trail Die Reverse

Description

Discovered by Ron Traino, this trail die variety on the 2013-P Jefferson Nickel documents a die that was used well past its intended service life, producing coins with progressively deteriorated design detail. Documented in late die state, the variety shows the advanced wear and softened features characteristic of a die approaching the end of its useful life. Trail dies represent the terminal phase of die service — while all dies eventually wear out, most are retired before reaching the extreme deterioration that qualifies as a trail die designation. The 2013 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel was struck in the standard 75% copper / 25% nickel composition that has defined the denomination since 1938, excepting the wartime silver alloy of 1942-1945. Felix Schlag's obverse portrait remains in use, now paired with the return-to-Monticello reverse restored in 2006 after the 2004-2005 Westward Journey interlude. Trail die documentation on Jefferson Nickels is less common than on Lincoln Cents, making this 2013-P discovery a notable addition to the nickel variety catalog.

Die Markers

• Obverse is LDS – a small die gouge is seen below the E of WE.
• Reverse is LDS – a small die gouge is seen below the UR of PLURIBUS. Another small die gouge is seen under the C of MONTICELLO.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ron Traino
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References