1975-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-001

Description

Cataloged as RPM-001 in the VarietyVista system with Universal Variety Code UVC-989 and Die Marriage Record DMR-002, this 1975-D Lincoln Memorial cent displays a D/D repunched mintmark shifted to the northeast. During this era, the Denver Mint's "D" mintmark was hand-punched into each individual working die — a manual process that continued through 1989. When the engraver's initial placement of the punch was slightly off-target, a corrective second blow drove the mintmark to its intended position, but the ghost impression of the first strike remained visible on every coin produced by that die. Three progressive die stages have been documented for this variety: Stage A represents an Early Die State (unconfirmed), capturing the die's condition before significant wear set in. Stage B corresponds to a Mid Die State on both obverse and reverse, reflecting the normal accumulation of fatigue after extended use. Stage C is classified as a Late Die State (unconfirmed), indicating the die was approaching the end of its operational life. This three-stage progression provides collectors with a timeline of the die's service life, from fresh deployment through terminal wear, and specimens from each stage carry subtly different die characteristics that seasoned variety specialists can distinguish. The 1975 Denver cent was produced in enormous quantities from the 95% copper alloy standard for the era, ensuring that repunched mintmark varieties like RPM-001 entered general circulation where they can still be found through careful roll searching. Attribution by VarietyVista.

Die Markers

• UVC-989
• DMR-002
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Delma K. Romines
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References