1952-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-022

Description

Documented by VarietyVista with die tracking codes UVC-1162 and DMR-027, this 1952-S Lincoln Wheat Cent RPM-022 exhibits an S/S Rotated CCW (counterclockwise) repunched mintmark — a variety where the San Francisco mintmark punch was applied twice with the second impression rotated counterclockwise relative to the first, leaving the remnant of the initial S visible at a slightly rotated angle. Three die stages are documented: Stage A is early die state (EDS, unconfirmed); Stage B is mid-die-state showing a die clash at the throat and the reverse in MDS — the clash mark at Lincoln's throat documenting an event where the dies struck together without a planchet, transferring faint design impressions between the opposing die faces; and Stage C is late die state (LDS, unconfirmed). The rotated CCW subtype is diagnostically important because the counterclockwise angular shift creates an asymmetric overlap pattern where the upper portions of the secondary S diverge in a different direction than the lower portions, producing a pinwheel-like effect visible under magnification. The 1952-S Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck at the San Francisco Mint in the standard bronze alloy of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. Victor David Brenner's obverse portrait was in its 44th year of continuous use. The die clash at the throat in Stage B provides a useful die state identification checkpoint — specimens showing the throat clash but not yet exhibiting late die state deterioration can be confidently placed in Stage B, helping collectors and attributors categorize the specific production phase from which their coin originated within this die's service timeline.

Die Markers

• UVC-1162
• DMR-027
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die clash at throat – MDS
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Paul Funaiole
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References