1988-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-021

Description

Submitted by Brian Ribar and designated WRPM-021 by the Wexler team, this D/D Northwest repunched mintmark on the 1988-D Lincoln Memorial cent is one of the most extensively documented RPMs in the series, cataloged across four die states — Stages A through D — with separate obverse and reverse marker inventories for each. The northwestward displacement of the secondary mintmark impression represents a less common direction in the 1988-D RPM census, where westward and tilted orientations predominate. General die markers recorded across all stages include a heavy scratch running from Lincoln's throat to the numeral 1, diagonal scratches to the right of the profile, a gouge right of the N in IN, gouges through LIBERTY, and scratches inside Lincoln's ear on the obverse. The reverse presents a gouge below the I in AMERICA, gouges at the O in ONE, and gouges between the N and T in CENT. The four-stage progression traces the die's working life from early production through advanced deterioration. Cross-referenced as Coppercoins 1988D-1MM-018. Struck at the Denver Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm. D/D Northwest Die Markers: Obverse: A heavy die scratch runs from Lincoln’s throat to the 1 in date. A series of diagonal die scratches show in the field to the right of Lincoln's profile. A die gouge shows to the right of the N in IN. A vertical die gouge runs north toward the rim from the upper left corner of the E in WE. Light diagonal die scratches run through LIBERTY. A series of light, diagonal die scratches show inside the opening of Lincoln’s ear. Reverse: A strong die gouge shows below the I in AMERICA. Two die gouges show along and above the upper right edge of the O in ONE. A series of die gouges show between the lower N and T in CENT. Submitted By: Brian Ribar Cross References: None known Obverse: Stage A: Strong die gouge under RU in TRUST near forehead. Light die scratch under L in LIBERTY. Stage B: Die gouge under RU in TRUST faintly visible. Die gouge left of lower first T in TRUST. Die scratch under L in LIBERTY no longer visible. Die gouge directly under 9 near jacket. Stage C: Die gouge under RU in TRUST still faintly visible with new heavy gouge directly south of the previous gouge. Die gouge left of T in TRUST not visible. Die gouge under 9 still visible. Stage D: Die gouges under RU not seen (limited by bubbling on coin). Die gouges under I in LIBERTY. Light die scratches run NE from ERTY in LIBERTY. Reverse: Stage A: Die gouge left of E in AMERICA. Die gouge under left memorial base. Small die gouge under the center horizontal bar of the E in ONE. Stage B: Die gouge left of E in AMERICA faintly present. Die gouges near rim left of first A in AMERICA. Die gouge right of upper O in ONE. Die gouge just right of memorial cornice. Stage C: Die gouges right of upper O in ONE and right of memorial cornice still visible. Die gouges left of A and E in AMERICA no longer visible. Die gouges left of U in UNITED. Stage D: Die gouges left of U in UNITED and right of memorial cornice still visible. Numerous new die scratches run NW to SE through the lower half of the reverse. Die gouge inside E in CENT.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Shields Cross References: Coppercoins: 1988D-1MM-018
• Coppercoins: 1988D-1MM-018; Wexler Variety ID: 1988-D 1¢ WRPM-021
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References