1961-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-001

Description

The most significant repunched mintmark variety on the 1961-D Lincoln Memorial Cent, RPM-001 is a D/D/D triple-punched mintmark showing horizontal displacement to the west with a visible lower serif from the secondary punch. This variety holds the prestigious Cherrypickers' Guide designation FS-501, establishing it as the premier RPM for the date and making it one of the most actively sought 1961-D cent varieties among both variety specialists and mainstream collectors. Cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-765, the die is documented through a single die marriage record (DMR-002) with five distinct die stages that trace the working die's complete deterioration arc. In Stage A (early die state), both the obverse and reverse present in EDS condition with the triple-punched mintmark at its sharpest. Stage B (early-mid die state) introduces a heavy die scratch running north-south above the 96 of the date and an X-shaped die scratch between the first S of STATES and the E of E PLURIBUS UNUM. By Stage C (mid die state), the obverse has progressed to MDS condition, and die chips have formed on Memorial columns 1 and 12. Stage D (late-mid die state) brings structural deterioration — a die crack running north-south on the shoulder appears alongside a depression forming under the left base of the Memorial. In the terminal Stage E (late die state), the obverse reaches LDS condition and the depression under the left base has evolved into a full die break. This five-stage progression documents the die's entire operational life from fresh installation through terminal failure. The FS-501 designation means this variety appears in the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties, the hobby's most widely consulted variety reference, ensuring strong collector demand and reliable market recognition.

Die Markers

• UVC-765
• DMR-002
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• Heavy die scratch North-South above 96 of date – EMDS
• X shaped die scratch between first S of STATES and E of EPU – EMDS
• Stage C:
• Obverse is MDS
• Die chip on column #1 and 12 – MDS
• Stage D:
• Die crack North-South on shoulder – LMDS
• Depression under Left base – LMDS
• Stage E:
• Obverse is LDS
• Die break under Left base – LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Unknown
• FS-501
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References