1985-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-003

Description

Among the more visually dramatic repunched mint marks for the 1985-D cent, RPM-003 features a strong secondary mint mark impression visible in early die state that weakens as the die progresses through its lifecycle. Cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-993 with die marker record DMR-004, this variety's Stage A shows both obverse and reverse in early die state with the secondary punch at full strength — the ideal condition for study and photography. By Stage B, the secondary impression has faded to weak visibility and a very light die crack has appeared running from the right base tip of the mint mark to the rim, a telltale sign of mid-die-state fatigue. Stage C remains unconfirmed at late die state. The progressive weakening of the secondary punch across stages demonstrates how die wear can obscure variety diagnostics over a die's production run, making early die state specimens significantly more valuable for attribution purposes. Struck on copper-plated zinc planchets composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper at 2.5 grams, from Denver's 1985 output of approximately 5.65 billion Lincoln cents.

Die Markers

• UVC-993
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• Strong secondary mintmark – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Weak secondary mintmark – MDS
• Very light die crack Right base tip to rim – MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References