Above is a comparison of a very early example of the DL0001 with an only slightly enhanced grip and the later, on-stage DL0001 with a larger, more enhanced grip. Close examination reveals that the die was originally engraved with a proportionately small grip slot, possibly too small to grab and hold the coin edge. Then the die was slightly modified as shown in the "Early Grip" example and then modified yet again as shown in the on-stage example pictured above.

We believe the earlier example is a "progressive" die proof or test roll, made possibly by the engraver / manufacturer before the die was shipped to Disneyland and placed on stage. We have very early on-stage examples of the DL0001 pressed at Disneyland Park. All show the greater degree of gripper modification. Given the early example shows only a small amount of modification or enlargement to the grip slot and the on-stage example below it shows a greater degree of modification to the grip slot, we believe that the coins pictured above represent the second and third profiles of the die before it was placed on-stage.

As of mid 2007, ParkPennies.com is unaware of an example of a DL0001 with a completely unmodified or enhanced grip slot, which if found, would represent the first profile of the grip slot. If you have an example of that coin, please contact us, we'd love to add the image to this page. Our thanks to Alan S. for sharing his scan and discovery of the early grip DL0001, a very early example of the first Disney pressed penny ever on-stage.

To view the DL0001 guide entries with more information about this coin, please see: DL Disneyland Park Pressed Penny Guide Section 1.
Even larger detail picture of the DL0001 grip comparison!