1930-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002

Description

RPM-002 on the 1930-S Buffalo Nickel is a repunched mintmark cataloged UVC-118 and DMR-004. The S mintmark on Buffalo Nickels appears on the reverse below the buffalo, and RPM-002 shows a secondary S impression offset from the primary. Three die stages document this variety's progression. Stage A (Reverse EDS) is the earliest confirmed state, with die scratches running southeast from the throat visible at this stage. Stage B (MDS) reflects the mid-die-state condition for both sides. Stage C (LDS) documents a die crack running north from the buffalo's head to the upper U of UNITED — a prominent late-state crack that serves as a naked-eye diagnostic on heavily worn Buffalo Nickels and indicates substantial die use before retirement. The obverse is also in LDS condition at Stage C. The 1930-S Buffalo Nickel was struck during the Great Depression era, when mintages fell sharply compared to the peak years of the series. The Stage C die crack at the buffalo's head provides the most visually accessible diagnostic for late-state RPM-002 specimens, while the EDS scratches at the throat are the primary marker for early attribution.

Die Markers

• UVC-118
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• Reverse is EDS
• Die scratches Southeast from throat – EDS
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Die crack North from buffalo's head to upper U of UNITED – LDS
• Obverse is LDS

External References