1949-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-036

Description

A D over D repunching with tilted (rotated) secondary impression characterizes WRPM-036 on the 1949-D Lincoln wheat cent. Obverse die markers include a die crack arcing above V.D.B. (Victor David Brenner's initials on the shoulder truncation), short north-south die scratches in front of the curl, and additional surface diagnostics. The reverse carries five distinct markers: a die crack developing on the right side of the right wheat stalk (centered), a die chip centered between the two ends of the wheat stems, a developing die crack on the bottom of the left wheat stalk, and a die gouge below the left wheat stem. The Wexler Team cataloged this under 1949-D 1 cent WRPM-036 with no known cross-references. The tilted or rotated repunching indicates the secondary D mintmark impression was not only displaced from the primary but also angularly rotated, producing an overlap where the curves of the two D letterforms diverge at a slight angle rather than being concentrically offset. This rotational component makes the repunching visually distinctive under magnification because the angular mismatch between primary and secondary serifs creates an asymmetric spread pattern that differs from simple directional displacement. The extensive reverse die markers — cracks on both wheat stalks, a chip between stems, and a gouge below — suggest this die saw significant service life, with the progressive deterioration visible across multiple reverse elements providing a comprehensive die-state narrative alongside the primary RPM feature.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ribar Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1949-D 1¢ WRPM-036
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References