1968-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-004

Description

Originally assigned the designation WRPM-004 by the Wexler team for the 1968-S Lincoln Memorial cent, this listing has been determined to show strike doubling (also called machine doubling or mechanical doubling) rather than a genuine repunched mint mark, and the variety number is listed as not applicable. The listing is retained for informational and educational purposes to help collectors distinguish between true RPMs and strike doubling — a distinction that is fundamental to error coin attribution. Strike doubling occurs during the striking process itself when the die bounces or shifts slightly after the initial impression, creating a flat, shelf-like displacement of metal adjacent to the design elements. This secondary displacement lacks the sharp, raised profile of a genuine repunched mint mark because it is produced by lateral movement of metal already struck rather than by a second full-force impression from a punch. True repunched mint marks, by contrast, are created during die preparation when the mint mark punch is applied more than once in slightly different positions, producing a secondary image that is sharp, raised, and fully formed because it was impressed into the die steel with the same force as the primary punch. The key diagnostic differences are: strike doubling produces flat, shelf-like shelves with no independent depth; genuine RPMs show a complete secondary outline with its own three-dimensional relief. Strike doubling has no collector premium because it is a random mechanical event that can occur on any coin, whereas true RPMs represent a die-specific variety that is consistent across all coins struck from that die. Cross-references are listed as not applicable. Struck at the San Francisco Mint on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Miller Cross References: Not applicable Comments: This listing is left for informational purposes. The examined coin shows only definitive strike doubling in the photos.
• Not applicable Comments: This listing is left for informational purposes. The examined coin shows only definitive strike doubling in the photos.; Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S 1¢ WRPM-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References