1961-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-008

Description

Among the more extensively documented RPM varieties on the 1961-D Lincoln Memorial Cent, RPM-008 is cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-776 with die marriage record DMR-013. The repunching shows a D/D/D triple-punched mintmark displaced to the north on both secondary punches, and four well-characterized die stages trace the die's service life from early use through advanced deterioration. Stage A presents the die in Early-Mid Die State (EMDS), identified by a long die gouge visible under Lincoln's bust and a reverse that is also in EMDS condition — making this one of the few RPM varieties in the 1961-D series with a confirmed early-stage diagnostic beyond simple die state estimation. At Stage B, the obverse has advanced to Mid Die State (MDS), and the reverse reveals a die scratch extending from the left upper cornice to the E of UNITED, also at MDS. Stage C marks the transition to Late-Mid Die State (LMDS) on the obverse, accompanied by a light die crack forming on Memorial column 1 — a common stress point on Lincoln Memorial reverse dies where the thin columnar design concentrates striking force. By Stage D, both sides have reached Late Die State (LDS), confirmed by a small die chip that has developed under the left base of the Memorial. The consistent progression of diagnostic markers across all four stages — from die gouge to die scratch to die crack to die chip — makes RPM-008 an unusually complete record of sequential die failure modes.

Die Markers

• UVC-776
• DMR-013
• Stage A:
• Long die gouge under bust – EMDS
• Reverse is EMDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse is MDS
• Die scratch from Left upper cornice to E of UNITED – MDS
• Stage C:
• Obverse is LMDS
• Light die crack on column # 1 – LMDS
• Stage D:
• Obverse is LDS
• Small die chip under Left base – LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Unknown
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References