1943-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-005

Description

Among the most historically distinctive Lincoln cents to carry a repunched mintmark, the 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Cent RPM-005 is struck on a zinc-coated steel planchet — the wartime composition used when copper was diverted to military production in 1943. Steel cents are uniquely identifiable by their silver-gray color and magnetic response. The S/S Wide West repunch documents the mintmark punch striking the die in two positions, the earlier impression displaced widely to the west of the final mintmark. Die codes UVC-158 and DMR-006 anchor the VarietyVista attribution. Three die stages are recorded: Stage A at early-mid die state (EMDS) shows the obverse already advanced, with a die crack developing from the O of ONE running to the rim between the LU of PLURIBUS — a dramatic path crossing the lower obverse field. Stage B is a mid-die state (unconfirmed). Stage C is a late die state (unconfirmed). The Stage A crack from ONE toward PLURIBUS is an early-developing, visually prominent feature useful for stage identification alongside mintmark examination. Collectors hunting 1943-S steel cents should confirm the wide west repunch shadow and watch for the crack as a die-state indicator.

Die Markers

• UVC-158
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• Obverse is EMDS
• Die crack from O of ONE to rim between LU of PLURIBUS – MDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Fivaz
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References