1969 (D) Lincoln Memorial Cent - Repunched Mintmark RPM-010

Description

RPM-010 is attributed by VarietyVista with UVC-930 and DMR-011 and features four distinct die stages (A through D) that trace a compelling die crack progression centered on the V.D.B. designer initials (Victor David Brenner) at the base of the obverse bust. Stage A shows a light die crack over V.D.B. in early-mid die state (EMDS), with the reverse in EDS — documenting the initial formation of the fracture. Stage B reveals that the crack has generated a small die chip over the D of V.D.B. in mid die state (MDS), meaning a fragment of die steel between the crack lines has dislodged, while the reverse advances to EMDS. Stage C shows the most dramatic progression: the die crack has now extended west of V.D.B. all the way to the rim in late-mid die state (LMDS), with numerous fine die scratches appearing on the obverse and the reverse reaching MDS. Stage D reaches LDS but remains unconfirmed. The crack—chip—extending crack sequence visible from Stage A through Stage C provides a textbook illustration of progressive die failure: the initial fracture (Stage A) created stress concentration that led to material loss (the chip in Stage B), which in turn accelerated crack propagation toward the rim (Stage C). The V.D.B. initials, located at the very base of the bust truncation near the rim, occupy a zone of high mechanical stress that makes them particularly vulnerable to cracking. Struck at the Denver Mint on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc.

Die Markers

• UVC-930
• DMR-011
• Stage A:
• Light die crack over V.D.B. – EMDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Small die chip over D of V.D.B. – MDS
• Reverse is EMDS
• Stage C:
• Die crack West of V.D.B. to rim – LMDS
• Numerous fine die scratches on Obverse
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage D:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References