1949-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-005

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-317 and DMR-006, this 1949-D Lincoln Wheat Cent RPM-005 exhibits a D/D repunched mintmark with the secondary impression rotated clockwise relative to the primary — a rotational RPM where the mintmark punch was held at a different angular orientation between the two applications, producing a complex visual interference pattern where portions of the secondary D appear to fan outward at certain points while converging at others, depending on the rotation angle and the local geometry of the letter's contours. Three die stages track this die's service life: Stage A is early die state (EDS, unconfirmed); Stage B shows both the obverse and reverse at mid-die-state (MDS); and Stage C documents both at late die state (LDS). Rotational RPMs are among the more visually interesting repunched mintmark subtypes because the angular displacement creates a distinctive "swung" appearance where the secondary D impression is tilted relative to the primary, unlike the simpler directional shift seen in north, south, east, or west RPMs. The 1949-D Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck at the Denver Mint in the standard bronze composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. The late 1940s represented a period of resumed peacetime production following World War II, and the Denver Mint was producing cents in substantial quantities, creating large die populations from which numerous RPM varieties emerged. Victor David Brenner designed the obverse, and the wheat ears reverse served through 1958. Collectors should examine the D mintmark area under 10x or higher magnification, looking specifically for the rotational offset — the characteristic angular tilt between primary and secondary impressions that distinguishes this clockwise-rotated variety from simple directional RPMs in the 1949-D family.

Die Markers

• UVC-317
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Obverse and Reverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Harry Ellis
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References