2014P-1DEO-003T Trail Die Obverse

Description

Discovered by Joe Koelling, the 2014P-1DEO-003T is a trail die obverse variety on the Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Shield cent. Trail dies represent a distinctive category of die error where an impression from a previously used design remains faintly visible beneath the current design, typically resulting from a die that was not fully resurfaced before receiving new hub impressions. On the Lincoln Shield cent, Victor David Brenner's obverse portrait of Abraham Lincoln provides the detailed canvas where such residual traces may appear. This die has been documented at Stage B, with the obverse at mid-die state showing a horizontal die crack across the top of Lincoln's head. The reverse is also at mid-die state with no additional markers noted. The horizontal die crack serves as the primary pickup point for identifying this particular trail die, offering a clear authentication diagnostic. Trail die varieties on modern Lincoln cents are cataloged separately from doubled dies and repunched mint marks, occupying their own niche within the variety collecting community where the interplay between old and new hub impressions creates subtle but fascinating design anomalies.

Die Markers

• Stage “B“, obverse is MDS – a horizontal die crack is seen on the top of Lincoln’s head.
• Reverse is MDS – none noted.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Joe Koelling
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References