1973-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-002

Description

The second VarietyVista-attributed repunched mintmark for the 1973-D Lincoln Memorial cent, RPM-002 displays a D/D North orientation — meaning the secondary D impression is positioned north (above) of the primary D mintmark, with traces of the earlier punch visible as extra metal protruding from the top of the final mintmark. This variety is cataloged as UVC-983 with die marriage reference DMR-003. The D/D North direction is one of the most common repunched mintmark orientations, resulting from the natural tendency of die-making technicians to position the second punch blow slightly higher than the first when making corrections. Three die stages document the progression: Stage A at early die state (EDS) with the secondary D traces at maximum visibility; Stage B at mid die state (MDS); and Stage C at late die state (LDS) with accumulated wear potentially diminishing the repunching evidence. The northward displacement of the secondary punch creates a specific diagnostic signature: collectors should examine the top serifs and upper curves of the D mintmark for traces of an earlier impression extending above the final position. On well-preserved early die state specimens, the secondary D may be clearly visible as a partial shadow above the primary; on later die state coins, progressive flattening of the mintmark area may reduce this evidence to subtle irregularities at the top of the letter. RPM-002's explicit D/D North designation provides collectors with a clear directional search criterion when examining 1973-D cents under magnification, allowing rapid screening of the mintmark area for northward displacement evidence before committing to the more detailed comparison against die markers necessary for full attribution.

Die Markers

• UVC-983
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ken Chylinski
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References