1968-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-001

Description

Cataloged as RPM-001 for the 1968-S Lincoln Memorial cent, this repunched mint mark variety is remarkable for appearing on a proof coin — a circumstance that many collectors assume is impossible. While proof dies are manufactured under tighter quality control than business strike dies, the mint mark was still applied by hand punch during this era, and a proof die that received an imperfect first punch could be corrected with a second impression just as a business strike die would be. The attribution by VarietyVista assigns this variety UVC-918 and DMR-002. Three die stages have been documented: Stage A presents an obverse in early die state (EDS) with the reverse in mid die state (MDS); Stage B is characterized by mid die state conditions but remains unconfirmed; Stage C shows late die state (LDS) characteristics but likewise awaits confirmation. The progression from EDS through LDS traces the working life of the die as repeated strikes gradually erode surface detail and accumulate fatigue damage. For proof issues, die state progression occurs more slowly because proof dies strike fewer coins before retirement, making later die state proof RPMs proportionally scarcer than their business strike counterparts. The 1968-S proof cent was the first standard proof Lincoln cent since 1964, struck at the San Francisco Mint on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc.

Die Markers

• UVC-918
• DMR-002
• Stage A:
• Obverse is EDS
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References