1960-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-026
Error
Description
Identified by distinctive obverse die scratches that weaken across successive stages, RPM-026 is a repunched mintmark variety on the 1960-D Large Date Lincoln Memorial cent cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-668/DMR-036. Four die stages document the die's progression: Stage A (EDS): die scratch parallel to coat in front of date, die scratch from E of WE to U of TRUST, reverse is EDS. Stage B (MDS): the die scratch from E of WE to U of TRUST is no longer visible, other die scratches are weaker, reverse is MDS. Stage C (LDS): obverse is LDS, small die chip on column 12. Stage D (LDS): obverse is LDS, light depression at right eave. The disappearance of specific die scratches between Stages A and B demonstrates how die polishing during production can selectively remove surface features, altering the diagnostic profile of a die mid-run. This phenomenon is well known among variety specialists and reinforces the importance of using multiple identifying characteristics rather than relying on a single marker. The 1960-D Large Date cent was produced during the first phase of Denver's production year before the celebrated Small Date hub entered service.
Die Markers
- UVC-668
- DMR-036
- Stage A:
- Die scratch parallel to coat in front of date – EDS
- Die scratch from E of WE to U of TRUST
- Reverse is EDS
- Stage B:
- No die scratch from E of WE to U of TRUST – MDS
- Other die scratches are weaker
- Reverse is MDS
- Stage C:
- Obverse is LDS
- Small die chip on column #12 – LDS
- Stage D:
- Obverse is LDS
- Light depression at Right eave – LDS