1972-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-009

Description

Ninth and final repunched mintmark documented by VarietyVista for the 1972-D Lincoln Memorial cent, RPM-009 displays a D/D West displacement and carries die markers UVC-3510 and DMR-020 — the significantly higher UVC number suggesting this variety was cataloged later than RPM-001 through RPM-008, possibly discovered after the initial systematic survey of 1972-D mintmark varieties was completed. Three stages are documented: Stage A in early die state featuring a die gouge through the upper portion of WE and a die clash on the left side of the reverse, Stage B at mid-die state (unconfirmed), and Stage C in late die state (unconfirmed). The obverse carries classification ODV-027b (MDO) with a specific die gouge noted in the upper R of TRUST — distinct from the die gouge in the upper S of TRUST that characterizes other ODV-027b specimens, providing a unique obverse identifier for this particular working die. The Stage A combination of a die gouge through WE on the obverse plus a reverse clash on the left side documents two distinct events in the die's early service: the gouge represents physical damage to the die surface (possibly from a foreign object or tool mark), while the clash records an instance of the dies meeting without a planchet present. The westward displacement of the secondary mintmark aligns RPM-009 with RPM-001, RPM-003, and RPM-006 in directionality, making D/D West the most frequently occurring orientation class among the nine 1972-D varieties — collectively documenting a statistical tendency toward westward initial punch placement that may reflect the ergonomics of the hand-punching process at Denver during this production period.

Die Markers

• UVC-3510
• DMR-020
• Stage A:
• Die gouge through upper WE – EDS
• Die clash on Left side of Reverse – EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Carl Musselman
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References