1916-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-001

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as 1916-D 1-cent WRPM-001, this repunched mintmark variety shows the D mint mark in a tilted or rotated secondary position (D/D). The primary mint mark appears filled, likely from a clogged die that packed grease or debris into the letter cavity. Submitted by David Goff, this variety was initially attributed from a lower-grade specimen, and the repunching is best confirmed on coins with sufficient detail remaining around the mint mark area. Repunched mintmarks on early Lincoln cents occurred because mint marks were individually hand-punched into each working die prior to 1990, and a second or corrective punch that did not perfectly align with the first left traces of the initial impression. The 1916 Denver mint produced 35,956,000 Lincoln cents, a substantial output, but RPM varieties are die-specific and considerably scarcer than the base issue. The tilted or rotated orientation of the secondary D provides the primary diagnostic for WRPM-001 attribution.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Bordner Cross References: None known Comments: While this does appear to be an RPM, the specimen examined was clearly a low grade coin. I would welcome the opportunity to study and photograph a high grade coin with this apparent doubling.
• None known Comments: While this does appear to be an RPM, the specimen examined was clearly a low grade coin. I would welcome the opportunity to study and photograph a high grade coin with this apparent doubling.; Wexler Variety ID: 1916-D 1¢ WRPM-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References