1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-006

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista under die tracking codes UVC-127 and DMR-008, the 1942-S Wheat Cent RPM-006 is a three-stage repunched mintmark variety produced at the San Francisco Mint. A repunched mintmark results when a mintmark punch was applied to the working die, lifted, and reapplied at a slightly different position, leaving a doubled or ghost impression in the die steel. Stage A (EDS) is distinguished by a die scratch running northeast from the necktie — a fragile early marker that disappears with die polishing. Stage B (MDS) shows a rim die break extending from approximately 8:00 to 10:00 on the obverse, a structural feature confirming the intermediate state. Stage C (LDS) remains unconfirmed pending additional specimens. The RPM direction is not documented in available reference data. The 1942-S Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck at San Francisco in the final year before the wartime steel cent composition was adopted; copper planchets were used normally in 1942. Variety hunters should examine the mintmark closely under 5x–10x magnification for the secondary impression adjacent to the primary S.

Die Markers

• UVC-127
• DMR-008
• Stage A:
• Short, light die scratch Northeast from tie – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse rim die break from 8:00 to 10:00 – MDS
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References