1979-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-001

Description

Holding the distinction of CONECA RPM #1 for the 1979-D Lincoln cent, the Wexler Team's 1979-D 1¢ WRPM-001 — also cross-referenced as Coppercoins 1979D-1MM-001 — displays the primary D mintmark displaced to the southeast of an earlier impression — a D/D Southeast orientation consistent with the hand-punching methodology employed at the Denver Mint during this period. Each working die received its mintmark through a separate punching operation, and when the engraver's initial placement was deemed insufficiently precise, a corrective strike repositioned the mark, leaving evidence of both impressions in the finished die. Extensive die markers confirm the attribution on both sides: the obverse shows NE-to-SW die scratches throughout the date and under the chin, approximately E-to-W scratches throughout and around LIBERTY, and NE-to-SW scratches behind Lincoln's head. The reverse exhibits approximately east-running die scratches throughout lower bays 2 through 10 of the Lincoln Memorial, a die scratch running east from N to T in CENT, and an E-to-W die scratch above the right side of the memorial. This wealth of die scratches distributed across both faces provides multiple diagnostic confirmation points, making WRPM-001 one of the more readily attributable repunched mintmark varieties for the 1979-D date. The triple cross-reference across CONECA, Coppercoins, and Wexler systems reflects the variety's prominence within the specialist community. Attribution by the Wexler Team.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Bordner
• CONECA: RPM #1, Coppercoins: 1979D-1MM-001; Wexler Variety ID: 1979-D 1¢ WRPM-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References