1974-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-002

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as 1974-D 1¢ WRPM-002, this repunched mint mark variety belongs to the Large Date obverse die variety and is notable for having two extensively documented die stages, each carrying a comprehensive set of diagnostic markers on both the obverse and reverse. Stage A represents the earlier die state: the obverse displays a die gouge on Lincoln's lapel and a die scratch under the D in GOD, while the reverse shows a die scratch through the T in UNITED, a die scratch beneath the U in UNITED, and a die scratch running north-northwest through the lower left portion of the Memorial base. Stage B documents the die's later condition after continued service and progressive deterioration. On the obverse, the lapel gouge from Stage A persists, but new markers appear — die gouges south and west of the E in WE, die gouges (appearing as dots) to the right of the S and T in STATES, and a die gouge in the open field at the level of Lincoln's eyebrow. The reverse in Stage B retains the die scratch through the lower left Memorial base and the scratch beneath the U in UNITED from Stage A, but adds substantial new damage: a die gouge inside the U in UNITED, a die gouge to the left of the T in UNITED, a die crack running from the upper right cornice to just beneath the I in AMERICA, heavy die gouges under AM in AMERICA, and a die gouge in the lower portion of E in ONE. This progressive accumulation of damage across two stages provides collectors with a detailed roadmap for placing their specimens along the die's working life. The extensive reverse deterioration visible in Stage B — particularly the die crack from the cornice — suggests the die was approaching the end of its useful service when the later-state coins were struck. The Large Date designation confirms that this die carried the proportionally larger date numerals, distinguishing it from the Small Date variant associated with WRPM-001.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1974-D 1¢ WRPM-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References