1972-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-006

Description

Returning to the D/D West orientation that predominates among 1972-D repunched mintmarks, RPM-006 is distinguished from its westward-displaced cousins (RPM-001 and RPM-003) by its unique die marker profile — UVC-969 and DMR-008 — and a notable obverse die crack that develops between stages. Three documented stages track this die's service: Stage A with obverse and reverse both in early die state, Stage B where a die crack has developed running from Lincoln's head to the rim through the left leg of the W in WE at mid-die state with reverse at mid-die state, and Stage C in late die state (unconfirmed). The die crack through the W of WE provides a dramatic visual marker for Stage B specimens — a raised line traversing from the portrait to the rim that would be visible without magnification on well-preserved examples, making this one of the more easily screened RPM varieties in the 1972-D series. The obverse classification is ODV-027b (MDO) but specifically noted without the die gouge in the upper S of TRUST, representing the plain version of ODV-027b that shows master die doubling without the additional gouge that characterizes some siblings in this die variety family. The westward mintmark displacement on this die combined with the distinctive head-to-rim crack pattern provides a two-feature attribution pathway: the RPM identifies the variety, while the die crack progression locates the specimen within the die's production chronology. Coins struck before the crack developed (Stage A) can only be attributed through the repunched mintmark itself, while Stage B specimens carry the unmistakable crack as a confirmatory secondary feature.

Die Markers

• UVC-969
• DMR-008
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• Die crack head to rim through Left leg of the W of WE – MDS
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Harry Ellis
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References