1975-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-004

Description

The fourth Wexler-attributed repunched mintmark for this date, 1975-D 1¢ WRPM-004 displays the Denver "D" shifted to the northeast — D/D Northeast — sharing a directional orientation with RPM-001 but originating from a completely different die, as confirmed by its distinct set of die markers. On the obverse, die scratches run southwest from the lower digits 75 in the date, and additional die scratches extend southeast from under and in front of Lincoln's chin and mouth area. The reverse carries its own diagnostic fingerprint: die scratches run east to west through the letters of STATES, and die scratches extend east from the last Memorial column. These markers establish WRPM-004 as a unique die that is readily distinguishable from RPM-001 despite both varieties showing a northeast displacement of the mintmark. Such parallel orientations from different dies are not uncommon — the northeast direction was one of several natural misalignment patterns that could result when the engraver's punch was held at a slight angle or offset during the hand-punching process at the Denver Mint. Collectors working through the 1975-D RPM census should pay careful attention to these secondary die markers rather than relying solely on the direction of the mintmark shift, since multiple dies could produce visually similar repunching from the same directional error. Attribution by the Wexler Team.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Shields Cross-Reference: CONECA: RPM #1
• Wexler Variety ID: 1975-D 1¢ WRPM-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References