1973-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-003

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as 1973-D 1¢ WRPM-003, this variety is described as D/D Tilted (Rotated) — meaning the secondary mintmark impression appears at a rotational angle relative to the primary D, rather than showing a simple directional displacement (north, south, east, or west). However, the attribution carries an important qualification: the Wexler documentation notes "questionable marks above and to the left of the primary mintmark," indicating that the evidence for repunching is less certain than for typical RPM attributions. The marks in question may represent traces of a secondary punch impression, or they may have an alternative explanation such as die deterioration, planchet surface anomalies, or tooling marks from die preparation. This honest assessment of attribution confidence is characteristic of the Wexler Team's methodology — varieties are documented even when certainty is incomplete, with appropriate notation to alert collectors. The obverse die markers are well-documented: a short north-south die scratch centered between the upper area of the GO in GOD; and a short north-south die scratch near the rim at the left upper side of the W in WE. The reverse carries distinctive features: a die crack at the rim at approximately 7:30 o'clock running to the lower center of the O in ONE then turning northwest and running through the left side; a die gouge inside the N of ONE at the upper area of the lower opening; and die scratches running northeast from the E of CENT through the NT of CENT. The reverse die crack from the rim through ONE is particularly diagnostic — its specific path and directional change provide a reliable fingerprint for confirming this die pair. Collectors should be aware of the "questionable" notation and exercise appropriate caution when attributing specimens to WRPM-003.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lloyd Hanson Cross-Reference: None known Comments: Replacement variety for the original WRPM-003 which was the damaged mint mark punch.
• Wexler Variety ID: 1973-D 1¢ WRPM-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References