1952-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-012

Description

San Francisco's S mintmark was punched into this 1952 Lincoln Wheat cent die at least twice in slightly offset positions, producing RPM-012 (UVC-445, DMR-014). Three die stages document the variety's life span. Stage A represents the earliest state, with no confirmed markers beyond the repunching itself. By Stage B, a long die scratch running from the Y of LIBERTY to the N of IN has developed at mid-die-state, along with a die crack in the right wheat grain stalks. Stage C shows the obverse in late die state, accompanied by a die chip inside the lower left wheat grains on the reverse. Repunched mintmarks arose because each working die received its mintmark by hand punch, and any misalignment during the initial blow left traces beneath the corrective second impression. The 1952-S Wheat cent saw substantial San Francisco mintage, making the base coin accessible, but authenticated RPM varieties command premiums in higher grades.

Die Markers

• UVC-445
• DMR-014
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Long die scratch from Y of LIBERTY to N of IN – MDS
• Die crack in Right wheat grains – MDS
• Stage C:
• Obverse is LDS
• Die chip inside lower Left wheat grains – LDS

External References