1949-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-008

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista under die codes UVC-320 and DMR-009, the 1949-D RPM-008 Lincoln Wheat Cent displays a D/D repunched mintmark rotated counterclockwise — the secondary D impression was applied with the punch turned slightly CCW relative to the initial strike, creating a rotational offset between the two impressions rather than a simple directional shift. The three-stage die progression documents this die pair from beginning to end: Stage A at early die state (EDS, unconfirmed), Stage B at mid-die-state (MDS, unconfirmed), and Stage C with both obverse and reverse confirmed at late die state (LDS). The confirmed LDS designation for Stage C means that specimens have been verified showing both dies in their most worn condition, with die cracks and deterioration marks that accumulate as the die approaches the end of its service life. The rotational CCW displacement produces a distinctive visual pattern where different segments of the secondary D show varying degrees of separation from the primary — some portions nearly overlapping while others are widely separated — depending on their distance and angular position relative to the rotation center. Struck at the Denver Mint in 1949, this cent was produced in 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams at 19.05 mm diameter. Victor David Brenner's Lincoln portrait served on the obverse, with the wheat ears reverse in its forty-first year of continuous use. The Denver Mint produced approximately 217.8 million cents in 1949, and RPM-008 captures a specific moment of imprecise hand-punching during die preparation at the Denver facility.

Die Markers

• UVC-320
• DMR-009
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Obverse and Reverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References