1969-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-002

Description

Attributed as RPM-002 for the 1969-D Lincoln Memorial cent by VarietyVista with UVC-922 and DMR-003, this repunched mint mark variety is documented across three die stages that reveal an increasingly complex pattern of die deterioration alongside the original repunching. Stage A shows the obverse in EDS with a distinctive die dent northwest of the I in AMERICA on the reverse (itself in EDS) and a horizontal die scratch in the frieze below the last U of UNUM. Stage B marks a significant transition: horizontal and diagonal die scratches appear through the date on the obverse (MDS), a die crack develops on columns #1 and #2 of the Lincoln Memorial (LMDS), and a die clash becomes visible above the left cornice — indicating that the dies struck each other without a planchet at some point during this stage. Stage C represents the final documented state with the obverse in LDS and a die crack now extending across columns #10, #11, and #12 on the reverse (LDS). The progression from isolated die markers in Stage A through die cracking in Stage B to extensive cracking in Stage C illustrates the accelerating nature of die failure: once a crack initiates, stress concentration at the crack tip accelerates its growth, and the die deteriorates rapidly toward retirement. Struck at the Denver Mint on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc.

Die Markers

• UVC-922
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Obverse is EDS
• Die dent Northwest of I of AMERICA – EDS
• Horizontal die scratch in frieze below the last U of UNUM
• Stage B:
• Horizontal and diagonal die scratches through date – MDS
• Die crack on column # 1 and # 2 – LMDS
• Die clash above Left cornice
• Stage C:
• Obverse is LDS
• Die crack on column #10, #11, and #12 – LDS

External References