1945 (D) Lincoln Wheat Cent - Repunched Mintmark RPM-001

Description

Holding the lead position in VarietyVista's catalog of 1945-D Lincoln Wheat Cent repunched mintmarks, RPM-001 was the first documented RPM for this date and mint. Cataloged under UVC-187 and DMR-002, four die stages chart the die's working life from initial production through advanced deterioration. Stage A presents both sides in early die state, when the secondary D impression is clearest before wear softens the overlap. Stage B advances to MDS. Stage C progresses into LDS with accumulated fatigue. Stage D reaches VLDS near retirement. The 1945-D was struck during the final months of World War II, when Denver maintained high cent production to supply both military and civilian commerce. Each working die received its D mintmark through hand-punching — a steel letter punch positioned by hand and driven into the die face with a hammer blow. The inherent imprecision of this process meant that repositioning the punch for a confirmatory strike frequently produced overlapping impressions, making RPMs among the most common varieties from this era.

Die Markers

• UVC-187
• DMR-002
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Die scratch from tie East to rim – LDS
• Reverse is LDS
• Stage D:
• Die crack on forehead – VLDS
• Die scratch almost worn away
• Light die crack on T of CENT – VLDS

External References