1941-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-005

Description

Fifth in VarietyVista's catalog of 1941-S Lincoln Wheat Cent repunched mintmarks, RPM-005 is documented under UVC-103 and DMR-007 with an unusual production history. Four die states trace the die's life, but a significant change occurs at Stage C: the catalog transitions to UVC-3145 with DMR-024, indicating the reverse die was replaced while the obverse continued in service. This die swap — where one side is retired and replaced while the other continues striking — provides direct evidence of Mint production practices prioritizing maximum die utilization. The transition between UVC codes means specimens from Stages A-B carry a different reverse than those from C-D, despite all four stages being cataloged under a single RPM entry because the obverse with its repunched S remained constant. San Francisco struck Lincoln Wheat Cents in substantial quantities during 1941, the year America entered World War II. Hand-punching of the S mintmark was standard practice, and the documented reverse swap adds a production history layer rarely captured this clearly in variety catalogs.

Die Markers

• UVC-103
• DMR-007
• Stage A:
• Obverse is EDS
• Die gouge dot between NU of UNUM – EDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse is MDS
• Die crack upper Left wheat to rim – MDS
• UVC-3145
• DMR-024
• Stage C:
• Obverse is MDS
• Reverse die changed – MDS
• Stage D:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References