1972-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-004

Description

Displaying a D/D North orientation, RPM-004 of the 1972-D Lincoln Memorial cent documents an upward displacement of the initial mintmark punch — the secondary D positioned north of the primary, creating a vertical doubling effect that distinguishes this variety from the more common westward displacements seen in RPM-001 and RPM-003. Die markers UVC-967 and DMR-006 identify this working die through the VarietyVista tracking system, with three stages documented: Stage A in early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B with obverse and reverse at mid-die state, and Stage C in late die state (unconfirmed). The obverse carries classification ODV-027b (MDO) with the specific notation that a die gouge is present in the upper S of TRUST — a feature that distinguishes this particular ODV-027b specimen from others sharing the same classification but lacking the gouge, such as RPM-002's obverse. The northward displacement indicates the mintmark punch was initially placed too high relative to its intended position below the date, requiring a corrective second strike at the proper vertical location. Because the D mintmark is relatively compact in design, a north-south displacement produces visible separation primarily at the top and bottom serifs of the letter, where the gap between primary and secondary impressions is most easily detected. The presence of master die doubling (MDO) on this obverse means collectors examining the die for the repunched mintmark may also notice the widespread but valueless Class I spread on LIBERTY and IGWT that characterizes the 1972 master die failure — two distinct varieties coexisting on a single die, only one of which (the RPM) carries numismatic premium.

Die Markers

• UVC-967
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Gary Shaffstall
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References