1937-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-001

Description

Bearing the RPM-001 designation as the primary repunched mintmark for the 1937-S Buffalo Nickel, this variety is cataloged by VarietyVista with codes UVC-208 and DMR-002. James Earle Fraser's iconic Buffalo Nickel, struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, was entering its penultimate year of production in 1937 — only the 1938-D would follow before the series gave way to the Jefferson Nickel. As RPM-001, this represents the most prominent and likely the most frequently encountered repunched mintmark for the 1937-S date, though even the primary RPM can be scarce relative to the total mintage. Die progression is documented across three stages: Stage A with reverse and obverse in early die state (EDS), Stage B at mid-die state (MDS), and Stage C at late die state (LDS). Repunched mintmarks on Buffalo Nickels arose from the hand-punching procedure at branch mints, where die sinkers positioned letter punches individually into each working die. The San Francisco Mint produced Buffalo Nickels throughout the series' entire twenty-five-year run from 1913 to 1938, and RPMs from the later years document the continuation of this manual process right through the design's conclusion.

Die Markers

• UVC-208
• DMR-002
• Stage A:
• Reverse and Obverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

External References