1972-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-008

Description

Exhibiting the most unusual displacement direction among the 1972-D repunched mintmarks, RPM-008 is classified as D/D Tilted — indicating the secondary mintmark impression was applied at a rotational angle relative to the primary, rather than showing a simple directional shift in any cardinal or ordinal direction. Die markers UVC-971 and DMR-010 identify this working die, with three stages documented: Stage A in early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B at mid-die state with die scratches running northeast on the obverse and northwest on the reverse, and Stage C in late die state (unconfirmed). The tilted classification distinguishes this variety from all other 1972-D RPMs — while the remaining eight entries show directional displacements (west, north, southeast, northwest), RPM-008 alone documents a rotational misalignment where the mintmark punch was twisted between its first and second applications. This rotational component means the secondary D appears at an angle relative to the upright primary impression, producing a complex overlap pattern where portions of the letter may show separation in different directions depending on their position relative to the rotation axis. The die scratches in Stage B run in opposing directions on obverse (northeast) versus reverse (northwest), creating an asymmetric marker pattern that aids in distinguishing this die from others with simpler scratch configurations. The obverse is classified ODV-027b (MDO) without the die gouge in the upper S of TRUST. The tilted repunch represents a different mechanical error than directional displacement — rather than placing the punch in the wrong position, the engraver applied it at the wrong angle, a mistake corrected by the properly-oriented final blow that established the primary mintmark impression.

Die Markers

• UVC-971
• DMR-010
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die scratches Northeast on Obverse – MDS
• Die scratches Northwest on Reverse – MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Al Raddi
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References