Though less prominent than the S Over Horizontal S variety that follows in most references, this 1909-S repunched mintmark is actually the scarcer of the two and draws stronger demand among specialists. The northward secondary impression is detectable on earlier die states with proper magnification. Collector interest is sustained precisely because the rarity is often underestimated compared to its companion listing. The mint mark on this variety was originally punched in a horizontal orientation before being corrected with a properly upright S. The underlying rotated S is clearly visible beneath the final mint mark, creating a striking and unmistakable repunch. Cross-referenced as RPM #2 in the Wexler/Miller RPM Book, WRPM-001 in the Wexler system, and Breen 2058. As a VDB reverse coin, this variety carries the designer’s initials on the reverse, adding collector appeal beyond the RPM itself.
This repunched mintmark variety coin for the 1909 S Lincoln penny is perhaps not as widely known as the FS1502(WNN-01-1909-S-RPM-002) coin. Owing I suspect, to the fact that is is omitted from the popular red book. Though it is far scarcer to locate and resultantly in greater demand by specialist collectors.
The initial S mintmark in this case was placed towards the north east of the final position, with clear doubling to the top serif, as well as the bottom serif. Although in the case of the bottom serif it might not be quite as… visually dramatic. Similar doubling is then also present towards the lower rounding of the S as well.
In 2019 one of these variety coins, a beautiful fiery copper red example slabbed by PCGS as MS66 Red was sold at auction for $3290.
