1971-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-009

Description

Ninth in the 1971-S Lincoln Memorial cent RPM sequence, RPM-009 records an S/S West displacement on a proof die — the second westward-shifted variety in the catalog alongside the business strike RPM-002, though this entry originates from proof production at San Francisco. VarietyVista catalogs this variety as UVC-1104 with DMR-011, placing it in a higher UVC range than the earlier RPM entries, which may reflect its later discovery or documentation within the VarietyVista numbering system. Stage A shows both obverse and reverse at EDS, while Stages B and C at MDS and LDS remain unconfirmed — a documentation pattern consistent with limited specimen availability. The obverse die variant ODV-028 identifies the re-engraved tie variant, continuing the prevalence of this die modification among the 1971-S proof RPM population. An S/S West displacement results from the initial mintmark punch landing east of the intended position, with the corrective second punch driving the S westward to its final coordinates and leaving the initial impression's traces visible east of the finished mintmark. The westward direction distinguishes this variety's diagnostic appearance from the more common northward and southward displacements in the catalog — rather than looking above or below the final S for remnant punch traces, collectors examining RPM-009 should focus on the east side of the mintmark where the initial impression's vestiges create a secondary letter form shifted horizontally from the final position. Proof surfaces preserve these horizontal displacement traces against mirror fields, providing the contrast needed for reliable detection.

Die Markers

• UVC-1104
• DMR-011
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ken Chylinski
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References