1989-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-022

Description

The twenty-second Wexler-cataloged repunched mintmark for the 1989-D Lincoln Memorial cent, WRPM-022 (variety ID 1989-D 1¢ WRPM-022) is a D/D Tilted variety with die markers that trace a distinctive pattern across Lincoln's portrait and the surrounding field. The obverse displays a die gouge at chin level well north of the 8 in the date, die scratches running roughly north to south under the chin and above the Y in LIBERTY, die scratches running north to south inside and under the ear, and a die gouge inside the upper left ear. The reverse shows a die gouge on the stair below column 3 and a gouge left of the lower E in STATES. The concentration of obverse markers around Lincoln's facial features — chin, ear, and the field between them — creates a compact diagnostic zone that collectors can examine efficiently under magnification. No cross-references to CONECA or Coppercoins are currently known. As the highest-numbered WRPM in this batch, WRPM-022 reflects the extraordinary depth of RPM variety production from the 1989 Denver Mint, among the last to employ the hand-punched mintmark technique before its permanent retirement in 1990. Struck on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Shields Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1989-D 1¢ WRPM-022
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References