1959-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-022

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with die identifier UVC-1127 and die marker reference DMR-031, the 1959-D RPM-022 documents a D/D North repunched mintmark on a Lincoln Memorial Cent — the secondary D impression displaced northward (upward) from the primary placement. The northward displacement means the initial D was punched slightly too low, and the corrective second punch in the proper position left the first impression visible below the final mintmark, creating a characteristic shadow effect beneath the primary D. Three die stages are recorded: Stage A with both obverse and reverse in early die state (EDS); Stage B in mid-die-state (MDS), unconfirmed; and Stage C in late die state (LDS), unconfirmed. As RPM-022 for the 1959-D date, this variety demonstrates the substantial number of repunched mintmark varieties generated during the inaugural year of Memorial Cent production, when the Denver Mint was hand-applying D mintmarks to a large working die population to meet demand for the new design. The 1959-D Lincoln Memorial Cent was the first year of Frank Gasparro's Memorial reverse, replacing the wheat ears design. Victor David Brenner's obverse Lincoln portrait continued unchanged from its 1909 introduction. Struck in 95% copper composition (with tin and zinc) at 3.11 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter at the Denver Mint, the 1959-D cent saw substantial production as collectors and the public eagerly acquired the new reverse design. The D/D North variety type — where the secondary punch sits above the primary — is among the more common directional variants for repunched mintmarks, reflecting the natural tendency for initial punch placement to occasionally fall slightly low of the intended target position.

Die Markers

• UVC-1127
• DMR-031
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ken Chylinski
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References