1971-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-006

Description

Second tilted repunched mintmark in the 1971-S proof Lincoln Memorial cent sequence, RPM-006 shares the S/S Tilted classification with RPM-005 but originates from a different working die with its own distinctive characteristics. Cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-960 with DMR-008, the variety's Stage A shows the obverse at EDS accompanied by several light horizontal die scratches above the Lincoln Memorial statue on the reverse — a reverse die marker that serves as a supplementary identification feature beyond the RPM itself. Stages B (MDS) and C (LDS) remain unconfirmed, indicating that documented specimens are concentrated in the early die state. The obverse die variant ODV-027 places this on the normal tie variant, matching RPM-005's die configuration. Having two independently documented tilted RPMs within the same twelve-variety catalog underscores the rotational variability inherent in hand-punching mintmarks onto proof dies — the die worker's grip on the punch, the angle of approach, and the alignment against the die face all contributed to the final orientation, and when the initial blow produced a visibly tilted impression, a corrective second blow at the proper angle created the diagnostic doubled-S pattern with angular offset between the two impressions. The horizontal die scratches above the statue on the reverse provide an independent confirmation pathway: collectors can verify the reverse die identity through these scratches before examining the more demanding RPM features on the obverse mintmark. Proof striking captured both the tilted displacement on the S mintmark and the horizontal reverse scratches with the surface precision that San Francisco's proof production process delivers.

Die Markers

• UVC-960
• DMR-008
• Stage A:
• Obverse is EDS
• Several light horizontal die scratches above statue – EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ken Chylinski
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References