1960 (D) Lincoln Memorial Cent - Large Date - Repunched Mintmark RPM-026

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

External References