2015P-5DER-001T Trail Die Reverse

Description

Cataloged by the Trail Dies reference as 2015P-5DER-001T, this trail die reverse variety was discovered by Michael Taylor on a 2015 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson nickel from the Return to Monticello series. The Jefferson nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter, featuring Jamie Franki's forward-facing obverse portrait and Felix Schlag's classic Monticello reverse design. The 5DER prefix in the catalog number designates this as a five-cent denomination die error on the reverse, distinguishing it from the more commonly documented 1DER (one-cent) trail die varieties. The die markers show the obverse at mid-die state with no specific markers noted, while the reverse at mid-die state displays a die crack entering the field from the right eave of the Monticello building. This die crack location on the eave provides a distinctive diagnostic that helps collectors confirm they have the correct die when examining potential specimens. Michael Taylor's discovery, credited in the catalog, reflects the continuing contribution of individual collectors to expanding the documented census of trail die varieties across all denominations. As the first cataloged trail die reverse for the 2015 Philadelphia Jefferson nickel (indicated by the 001 suffix), this variety establishes the initial entry in what may become a growing list of trail dies for this date and mint. Trail die varieties on Jefferson nickels are less commonly documented than those on Lincoln cents, partly because cent production volumes are substantially higher, creating more opportunities for accidental die contact, and partly because the Lincoln cent has attracted more systematic trail die searching. The Monticello building on the nickel reverse, with its architectural eaves, columns, dome, and portico, provides distinctive design elements where transferred ghost impressions from trail die events can be detected and documented by attentive variety hunters.

Die Markers

• Obverse is MDS – none noted.
• Reverse is MDS – a die crack that enters the field from the right eave of the Monticello building.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Michael Taylor
• Expert attribution by Trail Dies

External References