1920-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-001

Description

As the first cataloged repunched mint mark for the 1920-S Lincoln Wheat Cent, RPM-001 holds the primary position in VarietyVista's attribution sequence for this San Francisco date. The variety displays an S/S North displacement, indicating the initial S punch was set slightly south of the final correcting punch, leaving traces of the earlier strike visible above the final position. Assigned UVC-3037 and DMR-002, three die stages are documented: Stage A shows the obverse at early die state with the reverse at late die state, Stage B at mid-die state is unconfirmed, and Stage C at late die state is also unconfirmed. The pairing of an early obverse with a late reverse in Stage A suggests the reverse die had already seen heavy use. The 1920-S was struck in bronze of 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc during the post-World War I era as America transitioned to peacetime conditions. San Francisco's role as a branch mint required every working die to receive its S mint mark by individual hand punch. Victor David Brenner's Lincoln Wheat Cent was approaching its second decade, firmly established as one of the most recognizable coins in American commerce.

Die Markers

• UVC-3037
• DMR-002
• Stage A:
• Obverse is EDS
• Reverse is LDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Frank Bruske
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References