1968-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-004

Description

The fourth repunched mint mark variety for the 1968-D Lincoln cent, RPM-004 is distinguished by a particularly well-documented three-stage die progression that tracks the accumulation of die damage from early production through terminal deterioration. Die markers UVC-915 and DMR-005 identify this variety. In Stage A (early die state), die scratches running northeast-to-southwest are visible through the letters of LIBERTY on the obverse, while the reverse shows EDS characteristics with minimal wear. By Stage B (mid die state), the obverse deterioration has intensified dramatically: die scratches now run east-to-west across the entire obverse surface, a pattern consistent with progressive die abrasion from particle contamination or handling damage, and the reverse has advanced to MDS. Stage C (late die state) reveals the onset of structural failure: a die crack runs north-to-south through Lincoln's hair on the obverse, and the reverse shows die cracks on columns #1 and #2 of the Lincoln Memorial — a significant development that indicates the reverse die is approaching retirement. The progression from scratches to cracks is textbook die deterioration: surface abrasion weakens the die steel, stress concentrations develop at the base of design elements, and fatigue cracks propagate until the die is retired or fails catastrophically. RPM-004 was struck at the Denver Mint during the first year mint marks returned after the Coinage Act of 1965 era. Attributed by VarietyVista. Struck on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc.

Die Markers

• UVC-915
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• Die scratches Northeast-Southwest through LIBERTY – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Die scratches East-West over all of Obverse – MDS
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• Die crack North-South in hair – LDS
• Die crack on column # 1 and # 2 – LDS

External References