1961-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-026
Error
Description
Cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-802 with die marriage record DMR-039, RPM-026 on the 1961-D Lincoln Memorial Cent is a repunched mintmark variety with four die stages documenting a steady progression from early service through advanced deterioration. Stage A carries an unconfirmed Early Die State (EDS) classification for the die's initial production period. Stage B records the obverse at Mid Die State (MDS), accompanied by a die scratch visible between the upper RI of PLURIBUS on the reverse — a subtle but diagnostically useful marker located in the national motto inscription. By Stage C, the obverse has reached Late Die State (LDS), and the die is showing structural signs of fatigue: a die crack has formed on the forehead and a die chip has appeared on the E of CENT at LDS. The forehead die crack is one of the most common failure locations on Lincoln Memorial cent obverse dies, as the portrait's forehead sits at a high relief point that concentrates striking pressure. The terminal Stage D advances to Very Late Die State (VLDS), where a depression has formed at the right eave — another frequently observed failure point on Memorial reverse dies, where the architectural detail of the eave creates a stress concentration in the die steel. The four-stage sequence from unconfirmed EDS through VLDS represents a complete die life cycle, and the consistency of the failure locations — forehead on obverse, right eave on reverse — aligns with the well-established stress patterns documented across many Lincoln Memorial cent die varieties.
Die Markers
- UVC-802
- DMR-039
- Stage A:
- EDS (unconfirmed)
- Stage B:
- Obverse is MDS
- Die scratch between upper RI of PLURIBUS – MDS
- Stage C:
- Die crack on forehead – LDS
- Die chip on E of CENT – LDS
- Stage D:
- Obverse is VLDS
- Depression at Right eave – VLDS