1968-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-002

Description

Cataloged as WRPM-002 by the Wexler team for the 1968-S Lincoln Memorial cent, this repunched mint mark variety is cross-referenced as CONECA RPM #1 and Coppercoins 1968S-1MM-001, indicating that it was the first RPM variety recognized by the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America for this date. The CONECA RPM #1 designation typically reflects either the most dramatic or the earliest-discovered repunched mint mark for a given issue, both of which enhance collector interest. Repunched mint marks on 1968-S cents are products of the hand-punching process used to add the S mint mark to working dies at the San Francisco Mint — a procedure that introduced human variability into die preparation. When the die preparer's first punch landed slightly off the intended target, a second correcting blow was required, and the trace of the initial misplaced impression remained permanently engraved in the die steel, transferring to every coin struck from that die. The 1968-S cent holds particular historical significance as the first San Francisco Mint cent to carry a visible mint mark since 1964, after the Coinage Act of 1965 removed mint marks from all denominations for three years in an attempt to discourage coin hoarding. The resumption of mint mark use in 1968 meant that die preparers were re-establishing workflows that had been dormant, potentially contributing to a higher incidence of repunching errors. Struck on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc at the San Francisco Mint.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Bordner Cross References: CONECA: RPM #1, Coppercoins: 1968S-1MM-001
• CONECA: RPM #1, Coppercoins: 1968S-1MM-001; Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S 1¢ WRPM-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References