1961-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-034

Description

The final numbered RPM variety in the initial 1961-D Lincoln Memorial Cent VarietyVista sequence, RPM-034 is cataloged under UVC-810 with die marriage record DMR-047. Five die stages trace the die from early production through a progressive right base failure on the reverse. Stage A carries an unconfirmed Early Die State (EDS) classification. Stage B advances to Early-Mid Die State (EMDS), where several diagnostics appear: a large concave die scratch under the last T of TRUST on the obverse, a small die chip on column 12 at EMDS, a die chip at the right eave tip, and a die chip at the bottom right leg of the N of CENT. The concave die scratch under TRUST is a distinctive marker — its curved profile distinguishes it from the linear die scratches more commonly encountered, and its location beneath the final T of TRUST provides a specific attribution point. Stage C (LMDS) introduces a depression forming under the right base of the Memorial at LMDS, the initial signal of structural weakness in that area. Stage D, also at LMDS, records the progression of that depression into a full die break under the right base — confirming the failure that the Stage C depression foreshadowed. The terminal Stage E carries an unconfirmed LDS classification. The depression-to-break sequence across Stages C and D provides a textbook example of how localized die steel fatigue manifests first as a surface depression before escalating to a complete structural fracture, a pattern well documented across Lincoln Memorial cent reverse dies.

Die Markers

• UVC-810
• DMR-047
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Large concave die scratch under last T of TRUST – EMDS
• Small die chip on column #12 – EMDS
• Die chip at Right eave tip
• Die chip bottom Right leg of the N of CENT
• Stage C:
• Obverse is LMDS
• Depression under Right base – LMDS
• Stage D:
• Obverse is LMDS
• Die break under Right base – LMDS
• Stage E:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References