1953-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-004

Description

RPM-004 on the 1953-S Lincoln Wheat Cent shows the S mintmark over a previous S impression in a different position, attributed by VarietyVista. Die markers are UVC-480 and DMR-005. Stage A documents both obverse and reverse in early die state. The 1953 Lincoln Wheat Cent was a mid-century San Francisco issue, struck in 95% copper alloy with a production exceeding 181 million pieces. Hand-punching of the S mintmark into individual working dies was still standard practice, inherently producing secondary impressions when the punch was not precisely aligned on the first stroke. RPM-004 is catalogued in the VarietyVista reference, identified by the UVC-480 and DMR-005 die marker pair. The symmetrical Stage A — matching early die state on both obverse and reverse — suggests balanced wear between the paired dies, in contrast to mixed-state die pairs where one die aged more rapidly than its partner. The 1953-S is a well-known Lincoln Wheat Cent date for variety collectors, with multiple RPM attributions in the VarietyVista and Wexler references.

Die Markers

• UVC-480
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage D:
• Obverse and Reverse are VLDS

External References