1951-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-002

Description

Documented by VarietyVista, the 1951-D RPM-002 Lincoln Wheat Cent exhibits a repunched D mintmark from the Denver Mint. Die markers UVC-356 / DMR-003 track three progressive stages: Stage A at EDS (unconfirmed); Stage B with both obverse and reverse at MDS, representing the die pair at the midpoint of its service life; and Stage C at LDS with two notable deterioration features: a die crack developing on Lincoln's forehead and a die chip forming on the T of CENT on the reverse. The die crack on the forehead documents structural failure propagating through one of the obverse portrait's highest-relief areas, where the deep recess carved into the die steel to produce the brow and forehead detail creates a concentration point for stress during repeated high-pressure striking. The die chip on the T of CENT represents material loss from the die surface, producing a raised bump within the letter on struck coins — a progressive feature that would have grown more pronounced with additional strikes beyond Stage C. The Lincoln Wheat Cent was designed by Victor David Brenner for the obverse and features the wheat ears reverse, struck at the Denver Mint in 1951 in the standard bronze composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. The dual die deterioration features appearing simultaneously in Stage C — forehead crack on the obverse and CENT die chip on the reverse — indicate both dies were approaching their service limit at approximately the same time, a coincidence that suggests this die pair may have been introduced together and accumulated comparable levels of stress throughout their shared production run.

Die Markers

• UVC-356
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Die crack on forehead – LDS
• Die chip on T of CENT – LDS

External References