1911-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-001

Description

Among the most widely recognized repunched mintmark varieties in the Lincoln Wheat Cent series, the 1911-S WRPM-001 carries an impressive roster of cross-references: CONECA RPM #1, Cherrypickers' Guide FS-01-1911S-501 (012.85), Coppercoins 1911S-1MM-001, and the Top 100 RPM list maintained by CONECA — establishing it as a premier variety for the date. Cataloged by the Wexler Team, this San Francisco Mint cent exhibits die marker progression across three obverse stages and three reverse stages: Obverse Stage A features NW/SE die scratches inside the 9 of the date; Stage B shows weakening of the Stage A markers as the die surface wore during continued production; and Stage C develops a die scratch below Lincoln's beard, documenting progressive die deterioration. The reverse die tells an even more compelling story: Stage A presents a die crack running from the rim to the right wheat ear at 4:00; Stage B shows that same crack extending along the right edge of the right wheat ear and exiting at 2:45 where it forms a chip at the wheat ear — a classic progression from linear fracture to material loss; and Stage C reveals a new reverse die was introduced, itself developing three light die cracks from the rim to the wheat ear at 2:00, 3:00, and 4:30. The introduction of a replacement reverse die at Stage C while the original obverse continued in service demonstrates that the reverse die failed first, a common pattern when reverse dies bear more complex relief features. The Lincoln Wheat Cent was designed by Victor David Brenner and struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1911, composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. The 1911-S had a mintage of approximately 4.03 million, making it a semi-key date where variety examples command particular attention.

Attribution History

• CONECA: RPM #1, Cherrypickers: FS-01-1911S-501 (012.85), Coppercoins: 1911S-1MM-001 Top 100 RPM: CONECA; Wexler Variety ID: 1911-S 1¢ WRPM-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References