1973-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-003

Description

Attributed by VarietyVista as the third repunched mintmark for the 1973-D Lincoln Memorial cent, RPM-003 is cataloged as UVC-984 with die marriage reference DMR-004. Three die stages have been documented with notable detail about the mid die state condition: Stage A represents early die state (EDS) with the repunched mintmark at its clearest; Stage B is the mid die state (MDS), specifically characterized by the lower vest being abraded away and numerous die scratches present on both obverse and reverse — indicating significant die maintenance (polishing or lapping) was performed mid-life to extend the die's service; and Stage C represents late die state (LDS) with further deterioration beyond the MDS condition. The detailed MDS description is particularly valuable for collectors because it provides explicit diagnostic criteria for die-state identification: when examining a candidate 1973-D cent and finding that the lower vest area shows smoothing or loss of detail combined with numerous die scratches, the collector can identify the specimen as MDS Stage B with confidence. This type of die-state-specific documentation transforms variety attribution from a simple "present or absent" determination into a nuanced assessment of where in the die's production timeline a given specimen falls. The die scratches noted for Stage B on both obverse and reverse are consistent with aggressive mechanical polishing — a maintenance procedure that extends die life by removing incipient deterioration and surface roughness but leaves characteristic linear marks as evidence of the treatment. Collectors seeking early die state specimens of RPM-003 should look for intact vest detail and absence of the abundant die scratches that define the mid die state.

Die Markers

• UVC-984
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Lower vest abraded away – MDS
• Numerous die scratches on Obverse
• Numerous die scratches on Reverse – MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References