1951-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-012

Description

Triple-referenced across CONECA RPM number 10, Coppercoins 1951S-1MM-010, and Wexler Variety ID 1951-S 1-cent WRPM-012, this 1951 San Francisco Lincoln Wheat Cent carries dramatic structural diagnostics beyond its primary repunching. A long die crack from the bowtie through the lapel to the bottom of the bust traces a major failure across Lincoln's portrait, spanning nearly the full vertical extent. Strong die scratches in the field and many crisscrossing scratches between UNUM and E in ONE on the reverse indicate aggressive die maintenance where polishing left intersecting linear marks. These features — extensive cracking and scratch patterns — make the die highly distinctive even before examining the mintmark. San Francisco struck 136,010,000 Lincoln Cents in 1951, requiring numerous die pairs. The combination of structural failure and intensive surface damage suggests this die served an unusually long production life, accumulating damage beyond typical retirement thresholds. Curving die crack extends north from the top of the ear. Die crack extends east from the crack in the hair and curves south behind the eye. Two die gouges below the mintmark. Reverse: Die chips on the T in CENT. Die gouge NW of the U in UNITED.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Bordner Cross References: CONECA: RPM #10, Coppercoins: 1951S-1MM-010
• CONECA: RPM #10, Coppercoins: 1951S-1MM-010; Wexler Variety ID: 1951-S 1¢ WRPM-012
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References