1973-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-004

Description

The fourth VarietyVista-attributed repunched mintmark for the 1973-D Lincoln Memorial cent, RPM-004 is cataloged as UVC-985 with die marriage reference DMR-005. Three die stages have been documented: Stage A at early die state (EDS); Stage B at mid die state (MDS); and Stage C at late die state (LDS). Unlike RPM-003, which includes detailed descriptions of mid die state characteristics, RPM-004's die stage documentation follows the standard format without specific notes about the nature of die deterioration at each stage — suggesting the die's progression was relatively unremarkable, with normal gradual wear rather than dramatic maintenance events or sudden deterioration. The existence of four VarietyVista-attributed RPMs for 1973-D Lincoln cents demonstrates that the Denver Mint's hand-punching process for applying mintmarks in 1973 continued to produce positioning errors at a rate consistent with the manual nature of the procedure. Each RPM represents a unique working die where the mintmark punch was applied imperfectly — either through double-striking of the punch, repositioning between blows, or initial misplacement requiring correction. RPM-004 documents the fourth such instance among the Denver Mint dies used for 1973 Lincoln cent production. Collectors working through rolls or bags of 1973-D cents should examine the mintmark area under magnification for any evidence of secondary impressions — traces of an earlier or additional punch position that would indicate one of the documented RPM varieties.

Die Markers

• UVC-985
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References