2009 Lincoln cent trails die?

[KurtS]

Here's a 2009 cent that I received from a friend, which I noticed something on STATES and the AM of America. Could this be a trails die?
It does not seem to match the markers for one so far documented for 2009. Or am I off-base here?

First, two detail pics taken at angle under different lighting (click for full resolution)





Full obverse/reverse (click for full resolution)

[coppercoins]

Looks like die polish lines to me.

[KurtS]

Ok, if this is anything, it's very minor—and here's a handheld shot of STATES that better isolates what I'm seeing.
Of course, if it's all nothing, than that's what it is!

[coppercoins]

Yes, but you have to look all around what you see - die scratches heading in the same direction.

[KurtS]

Chuck, I see your point, that makes a lot of sense--thanks for your insights!

[Dick]

Kurt, i see what you refer to, and agree with Chuck. Mine, (all nine, so far0 '09-D have similar markings. I checked for trails, but none in sight.
Dick

[daviscfad]

what is a die trail?

[Steven]

Try this link

http://www.traildies.com/

[wavysteps2003]

Very rarely do I disagree with Chuck, however, this maybe one of the few times that I do.

When I first looked at this die, I thought of two possibilities. Die polishing or trails and after debating with myself for awhile, I ruled out die polishing.

The major reason that I did feel this way is that the heaviest of the lines originate in the corners of the letters. If it were die polishing, these heavy lines would not be isolated to that particular area and would be randomly placed. 99% of the trails that I have seen start in the same exact place, the corners of design elements.

So, what would cause the scratching seen. This effect maybe the result of the two faces (the working hub face and the working die face) rubbing over each other at the end of the hubbing cycle that will cause micro lines to be formed aside from the trail lines.

Again, please remember that this is just theory and there is a possibility that this lines maybe caused by some sort of polishing as Chuck has suggested.

By the way, I do have this die listed as 2009P-1DER-001T on traildies.com.

BJ Neff

PS - I just went back and re-read your first post. This does look like a different die than what I have posted, however, the directions of the lines appears to be exactly the same. Interesting. This would rule out any device that was hand held or manually operated.

[Dick]

BJ, I have on two "D" '09's very faint trails that are on the "ted". They are 90 degrees left, with reference to those indicated by Kurts post, and your images. Mine are bottom left of the bar on the "T", top, and bottom of the "E", and bottom of the "D". They are mostly bright points, but in certain angles, there appears a very weak shadow, about the same length as is wide the base of the "T". I am not set up for photos at present, but will post later.
Dick

[KurtS]

BJ Neff,
Thanks for responding--that's very interesting! In hand, I thought the coin had what I can best describe as "two levels" of detail in the fields--the die scratch lines, and these raised features trailing the devices. Of course, I know absolutely nothing about trail dies, so I appreciate your expertise very much!

I'm guessing this is a common mark for this 2009 which will be confirmed in time. If not, you're more than welcome to have a look at this cent. Thanks everyone!