1948-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002

Description

A triple-punched S/S/S West, Lower Serif variety, RPM-002 for the 1948 San Francisco Lincoln Wheat Cent displays three distinct impressions of the S mint mark with the initial punches displaced to the west and at the lower serif. Triple-punched mint marks document three separate applications of the hand punch to the working die, making them appreciably scarcer than standard S/S double punches. The displacement at the lower serif is particularly diagnostic, as it creates a visible widening or doubling of the serif structure that stands out under magnification. Struck in the bronze composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc that defined Lincoln Wheat Cents throughout their 1909-1958 production run, the 1948-S bears Victor David Brenner's obverse portrait. Cataloged by VarietyVista with die tracking codes UVC-305 and DMR-004, this variety is documented in two die states. Stage A represents early die state (unconfirmed). Stage B shows both obverse and reverse at mid-die state. The S/S/S triple punch on this early post-war San Francisco cent reflects the ongoing hand-punching methods that would continue until the Mint adopted pre-placed mint marks on master dies.

Die Markers

• UVC-305
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Wilson
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References