1968-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-003

Description

Originally cataloged as RPM-003 for the 1968-S Lincoln Memorial cent with the description S/S South, this variety has been delisted following re-examination that determined the apparent repunching was actually die deterioration rather than a genuine secondary mint mark impression. Delisting is the formal process by which an attribution service withdraws a previously assigned variety number after concluding that the diagnostic feature does not meet the criteria for a true die variety — in this case, surface irregularities caused by die wear mimicked the appearance of a secondary S mint mark positioned south of the primary. Die deterioration can produce raised areas, displaced metal flow, and irregular outlines around the mint mark that superficially resemble a repunched mint mark, particularly on lower-grade specimens where the distinction between hub-impressed doubling and surface degradation is more difficult to assess. The VarietyVista catalog retains this entry with UVC-920 and DMR-004 for informational purposes, noting three die stages: Stage A in EDS (unconfirmed), Stage B in MDS (unconfirmed), and Stage C showing both obverse and reverse in LDS. The retention of delisted varieties in reference catalogs serves an educational function, helping collectors avoid purchasing misattributed coins and demonstrating that die deterioration products lack the sharp, raised profile characteristic of genuine repunched mint marks. Struck at the San Francisco Mint on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc.

Die Markers

• UVC-920
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Obverse and Reverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Delma K. Romines
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References