1973 (D) Lincoln Memorial Cent - Repunched Mintmark WRPM-004

Description

WRPM-004 (Wexler Variety ID: 1973-D 1¢ WRPM-004) is described as D/D Tilted (Rotated) and is notable for having two different reverse dies paired with the same obverse die — a phenomenon called a "die marriage change" that occurs when a worn or damaged reverse die is removed from the press and replaced while the obverse die continues in service. The obverse die shows two documented stages: Stage A exhibits numerous die scratches including strong scratches through the date and die scratches running northeast through RTY in LIBERTY — indicating a heavily used die with extensive surface wear; Stage B shows the RTY scratches still visible but most other die scratches very faint, suggesting either continued wear smoothing the surface or an intervening polishing event that removed the shallower scratches while leaving the deeper RTY impressions. The first reverse (paired with Stage A) shows Lincoln nearly abraded away inside the center bay and a polishing gouge at the left side of the Memorial base — evidence of aggressive die maintenance. The second reverse (paired with Stage B) shows heavy abrasion left of the roof — a different wear pattern confirming this is a distinct replacement die rather than a later state of the first. The D/D Tilted (Rotated) mintmark repunching itself appears on the obverse die (which remains constant across both reverse pairings), with the secondary D impression rotated relative to the primary. This multi-die-marriage documentation provides collectors with a rich identification framework: the obverse stage and the associated reverse characteristics together pinpoint exactly which combination a given specimen represents within the production timeline of this obverse die's service life.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1973-D 1¢ WRPM-004

External References