1979-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-002

Description

Cross-referenced as Coppercoins 1979D-1MM-003 and designated 1979-D 1¢ WRPM-002 by the Wexler Team, this repunched mintmark variety is notable for its documented reverse die change between Stage A and Stage B — an uncommon occurrence that confirms the obverse die was paired with at least two different reverse dies during its service life. The variety is tracked across two obverse stages and two reverse stages, with the reverse die replacement creating a distinct diagnostic break in the coin's die marker profile. Obverse Stage A exhibits a die gouge under Y in LIBERTY, a die scratch above T in LIBERTY, a die gouge in the lower date between 7 and 9, small die gouges right of the upper and lower E in WE, a die gouge below and left of the lower G in GOD, and a die scratch at Lincoln's eye. By Obverse Stage B, the gouge under Y in LIBERTY has weakened, the date gouge has diminished, and a new die gouge appears under the first right shoulder fold — reflecting progressive die wear. Reverse Stage A shows die gouges left of the upper A in STATES and surrounding E in E PLURIBUS UNUM, a die crack on upper column 1, and a die scratch running SSW from I in AMERICA. Reverse Stage B introduces an entirely different die: die gouges appear under U in UNITED, a N-to-S die scratch runs through the upper O in ONE, two parallel die scratches run SE from inside the left C in CENT, a die scratch connects D in UNITED to the first S in STATES, N-to-S scratches appear through the left memorial base, NE-to-SW scratches run through the right memorial base, and a small die crack forms at the right memorial base tip. This reverse die change mid-production provides collectors with two distinctly different reverses paired with the same repunched mintmark obverse. Attribution by the Wexler Team.

Attribution History

• Coppercoins: 1979D-1MM-003; Wexler Variety ID: 1979-D 1¢ WRPM-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References