1937-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-005

Description

Cataloged as UVC-200, DMR-006, this 1937 Denver Mint Buffalo Nickel exhibits a triple-punched mintmark with the D/D/D positioned East and South, showing three distinct impressions of the D punch. Three die stages have been documented: Stage A in Early Die State (unconfirmed), Stage B with both obverse and reverse in Mid Die State, and Stage C with both obverse and reverse in Late Die State. Triple-punched mintmarks are significantly more unusual than standard double repunches, as the die sinker mispositioned the punch twice before achieving the final corrected placement, first to the East and then to the South of the intended location. The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel is perhaps the most famous date in the series due to the 3-Legged variety created by excessive die polishing, though RPM-005 documents a different type of die preparation error entirely. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel in the penultimate year of Fraser's design, the 1937-D had a mintage of over 17 million pieces. The D/D/D triple punch is best examined under magnification, where three layers of the D serif details reveal the successive repositioning attempts by the Denver Mint die sinker.

Die Markers

• UVC-200
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Unknown
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References