1953-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-016

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista under die tracking codes UVC-496 and DMR-021, the 1953-S Lincoln Wheat Cent RPM-016 is an S/S Northwest repunched mintmark variety — the secondary S impression displaced to the northwest of the final mintmark position. San Francisco mintmark punching in the Wheat Cent era was done by hand with individual punches, and position variation was common; a northwest shift produces a shadow impression above and to the left of the primary S, visible under 5x–8x magnification. The variety progresses through three die stages. Stage A (EDS) is unconfirmed. Stage B (LMDS) develops a die clash at the throat on the obverse, while the reverse enters its LMDS as well. Stage C (LDS) adds a light die crack on the 9 of the date and a light crack on the E of LIBERTY on the obverse, while the reverse reaches LDS. The Stage B die clash at the throat is a relatively bold obverse marker that experienced cherrypickers can spot quickly, making it useful as a secondary confirmation once the mintmark repunching has been identified.

Die Markers

• UVC-496
• DMR-021
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die clash at throat – LMDS
• Reverse is LMDS
• Stage C:
• Light die crack on 9 of date – LDS
• Light die crack on E of LIBERTY
• Reverse is LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Harry Ellis.
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References