1949-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-004

Description

Documented by VarietyVista, this San Francisco Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent shows distinctive N-S die scratches appearing on both obverse and reverse from the earliest die stage. Die markers UVC-327 / DMR-006 track three stages: Stage A at EDS with a short die gouge from the upper L of LIBERTY to the rim, N-S die scratches on the obverse, and N-S die scratches on the reverse; Stage B with obverse and reverse at EMDS; Stage C at LMDS with the obverse and reverse die scratches weakened by wear. The parallel N-S die scratches appearing on both faces from Stage A suggest a common surface preparation process affected both dies. Composed of 95% copper and 5% tin-zinc at 3.11 grams and 19.05 mm, the 1949-S had a mintage of approximately 64.3 million pieces. The progressive weakening of die scratches from EDS to LMDS documents how striking gradually polishes away surface imperfections.

Die Markers

• UVC-327
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• Short die gouge from upper L of LIBERTY to rim – EDS
• Die scratches North-South on Obverse
• Die scratches North-South on Reverse – EDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are EMDS
• Stage C:
• Weak Obverse and Reverse die scratches – LMDS

External References