1981-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-001

Description

Cataloged through the VarietyVista attribution system with Universal Variety Code UVC-3367 and Die Marriage Record DMR-002, the 1981-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-001 displays a D/D with counterclockwise rotation — the mintmark was initially punched into the working die, then repunched at a slightly rotated angle, leaving traces of the original position visible beneath or alongside the final impression. This variety has been documented across three die states: Stage A in early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B with both obverse and reverse in mid-die state, and Stage C in late die state (also unconfirmed). The progression from EDS through MDS to LDS reflects the natural evolution of a working die under production use — early strikes tend to show the sharpest detail on the repunched mintmark, while later strikes may soften the secondary image as die wear accumulates. Repunched mintmark varieties from the early 1980s represent the final generation of hand-punched mintmarks on Lincoln cents, as the U.S. Mint would soon transition to incorporating the mintmark directly into the master hub, eliminating the die-by-die variability that made RPMs possible. The 1981-D cent was struck at the Denver Mint from 95% copper, 5% zinc planchets. Attribution by VarietyVista.

Die Markers

• UVC-3367
• DMR-002
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Marvin Young
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References