1988-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-005

Description

Wexler's WRPM-005 designation for this 1988-D Lincoln Memorial cent repunched mintmark is supported by cross-references in two other major variety catalogs: CONECA RPM #2 and Coppercoins 1988D-1MM-026. The CONECA RPM #2 designation indicates this was among the earliest 1988-D repunched mintmarks cataloged by the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America, placing it in the foundational tier of documented varieties for this date. Repunched mintmarks on 1988-D cents arose from the manual mintmark application process that the U.S. Mint used through 1989, in which an engraver physically punched the D mintmark into each working die with a hand-held tool. When the initial punch did not seat correctly — whether due to misalignment, insufficient force, or an angled strike — the engraver would reposition and strike again, leaving overlapping impressions of the mintmark letter that are visible under magnification. Photographic documentation for this variety is still being sought to fully characterize the repunching direction and supplementary die markers. Struck at the Denver Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Keith Zerrlaut Cross References: CONECA: RPM #2; Coppercoins: 1988D-1MM-026
• CONECA: RPM #2; Coppercoins: 1988D-1MM-026; Wexler Variety ID: 1988-D 1¢ WRPM-005
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References