1968-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-004

Description

Among the most remarkable repunched mint mark varieties for the 1968-D Lincoln cent, WRPM-004 is a D/D/D triple-punched mint mark showing three distinct impressions of the D displaced to the northeast and west. Triple-punched mint marks are significantly scarcer than the more common D/D double-punched varieties because they require three separate applications of the mint mark punch, each landing in a detectably different position — a sequence that implies either unusual difficulty in seating the punch correctly or an intentional correction attempt that compounded the original error. The northeast and west displacement directions indicate that the three punches formed a triangular pattern: the final, accepted position of the D is accompanied by ghost images offset in two different directions, creating a complex overlapping configuration visible under magnification. This variety was documented by the Wexler Team under the designation 1968-D 1¢ WRPM-004 and is extensively cross-referenced: CONECA lists it as RPM #4, Coppercoins catalogs it as 1968D-1MM-004, and Crawford designates it CRPM-002. The convergence of four independent cataloging systems on the same variety underscores its significance within the 1968-D RPM population and ensures that collectors can locate it regardless of which reference they consult. The 1968 date was the first year mint marks returned to U.S. coinage after the Coinage Act of 1965 hiatus, and the resumption of hand-punched mint marks at the Denver Mint immediately produced the alignment errors that define the RPM variety class — with this triple punch representing one of the most complex examples from the date. Struck on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc at the Denver Mint.

Attribution History

• CONECA: RPM #4, Coppercoins: 1968D-1MM-004, Crawford: CRPM-002; Wexler Variety ID: 1968-D 1¢ WRPM-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References