1942 (S) Lincoln Wheat Cent - Repunched Mintmark WRPM-026

Description

Cataloged as WRPM-026 in the Wexler repunched mint mark series for 1942-S Lincoln Wheat Cents, this variety features a repunched S mint mark on the obverse, below the date. The obverse die markers include a short die scratch running north-northwest from the right center of Lincoln's nose. The reverse carries several distinctive diagnostics: a series of gouges in and outside the upper C in CENT caused by die degeneration in the form of small, short lines, along with a die gouge appearing as a dot centered between the A and the second T of STATES. These degeneration-related gouges near the C in CENT are particularly useful for attribution because they represent progressive die surface breakdown that would have been unique to this specific working die. The pattern of small linear gouges clustered around a single letter differs from deliberate die maintenance marks and indicates natural die fatigue from repeated striking pressure. The 1942-S Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck at San Francisco during the early years of American involvement in World War II, a period when Mint resources and die maintenance practices were under increasing wartime production pressure. Attributed by the Wexler Team with the variety designation 1942-S 1 cent WRPM-026, collectors should examine the S mint mark for the repunching and verify the die degeneration gouges around the upper C in CENT and the dot between A and the second T of STATES.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1942-S 1¢ WRPM-026

External References