Part IV. Die Errors:

Die Deterioration/Deformation Errors:

Die Deterioration Promoted by Trails (oblique flow

lines)

Definition: This type of die deterioration is promoted by a pre-existing condition called trails.  Trails are a form of die deformation or die damage that develops during hubbing. Metal flow lines, which are an indicator of die fatigue, are normally radial in direction. However, with the die deformed by parallel trail lines, the metal flow will follow the path of least resistance and be seen as parallel flow lines that are often obliquely oriented.

The 1997(P) Lincoln cent pictured below shows a combination of parallel die flow lines as well as trail lines. The trails seen atop the word IN have yet to be augmented by flow lines, while the closely spaced, parallel lines atop the word GOD are flow lines that have formed alongside and on top of pre-existing trails.

This situation becomes more apparent when looking at the word WE. The trail lines emerging from the top right corners of the two letters have been enhanced by metal flow.  This condition can be seen in the word TRUST as well.

The next example shows a slightly different direction in the die flow and trail lines. However, both are still parallel in direction. The images below are from a 1998(P) Lincoln cent.

The example shown below could almost pass as a replica of the 1998(P) cent pictured above. However, this example was found on a 1999(P) Lincoln cent. Once again, the deformities are all parallel to each other.