1950-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-020

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team, this 1950-S Lincoln Wheat Cent exhibits an S/S North repunched mintmark — the secondary S impression displaced northward from the primary mintmark position. Detailed die markers support attribution: on the obverse, a short die scratch oriented SSW-NNE appears southeast from the lower O in GOD, with another short die scratch running N/S inside the lower opening of the ear. On the reverse, a small die gouge shaped like a dot sits under the C in CENT, and a die crack runs north to south inside the upper left wheat stalk. These specific markers distinguish WRPM-020 from the other nineteen previously documented RPMs on the 1950-S date, as each repunched mintmark variety occurs on a unique working die with its own individual set of die markers. The "S/S North" notation indicates that traces of an initial S mintmark impression are visible to the north of the final, properly positioned S — evidence that the die sinker's first attempt was placed too low and required correction. The 1950-S cent was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of 118,505,000, a production level that consumed many die pairs throughout the year. Twenty documented RPMs for this single date speaks to the high frequency of hand-punching variations that occurred across the many dies required for such substantial production. The directional notation, die marker documentation, and cross-referencing that characterize Wexler RPM attributions provide collectors with the tools needed to confidently identify specific varieties within what might otherwise appear to be an overwhelming catalog of similar-sounding entries.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Bordner Cross References: None known Comment: This die is similar to WRPM-004 but shows a secondary mintmark on the right side. John Bordner’s original photos are used for the markers. A circulated example of this die was found and is used for the close up of the date only.
• s:; Wexler Variety ID: 1950-S 1¢ WRPM-020
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References