How to Recognize an RPM Penny
If you are interested in collecting RPM pennies, you’ve probably already seen them. Although these coins are fairly rare, you should know the basics of this type of coin to make an informed decision. There are two types of RPMs: those with the normal orientation of the mint mark and those with an inverted mark. To distinguish between these types, you should first look for the stamp’s orientation. In order to recognize a penny with an inverted mark, look for the “D/D Inverted” mint mark impression.
The most common RPM is a Denver 1960 RPM, which is worth more than the usual RPM. However, the 1960 RPM is the second most valuable and desirable. It has a 90-degree rotation, which makes it the most valuable of the two. Regardless of the rarity, it’s still a good idea to get a collection of Denver 1961 RPMs, as it’s one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in the world.
A “P” mint mark appears on an RPM coin for the first time in history. Coins with this mint mark are usually included in collector’s mint sets, and business strikes. Since the mint added it directly to the master die, there is no chance of it being repunched. When collecting Philadelphia mint coins, it’s important to note where the mint mark is located in relation to the date, as the mark can often appear twice as old as the coin itself.
To learn about RPMs, it’s best to purchase a book by two experts. Authoritative Reference to Lincoln Cents – Second Edition by John A. Wexler and Brian Allen contains over 470 pages of information and over 750 photographs. It lists all known RPM varieties and their descriptions. There are also cross-references in the book for each variety, so that you can easily identify a coin in the field.
To identify a penny with an ‘RPM’, check its mint mark. Some of them contain an S or D mint mark. In some cases, the mint marks are partially or completely repunched. However, there is no evidence that this type of coin is rarer than the usual coin. The letter punch is not held vertically, and a secondary impression will result. In 1989, the U. S. Mint stopped using RPMs and replaced them with a master die with a mintmark.
