1988-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-004

Description

Attributed as RPM-004 with VarietyVista die markers UVC-1027 and DMR-005, this 1988-D Lincoln Memorial cent presents a third D/D West repunched mintmark in the series, further documenting the westward-leaning tendency among Denver Mint punch operators during 1988 die preparation. The persistence of the same directional offset across multiple dies suggests a biomechanical pattern in the punching process — the operator's hand position, angle of approach, or point of hammer contact may have consistently favored a slight lateral displacement in the same direction. Each D/D West RPM is nonetheless a distinct variety tied to a unique working die, identifiable through its own set of die markers and the specific character of its repunching evidence. This variety is recorded at Stage A in EDS (unconfirmed), Stage B in MDS (confirmed), and Stage C in LDS (unconfirmed). Mid-die state confirmation means the primary attribution photographs capture the variety at a point where both the repunching traces and the die markers have developed into clearly readable features without being obscured by the mushiness characteristic of heavily worn dies. Struck at the Denver Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Die Markers

• UVC-1027
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Michael L. Ellis
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References