1938-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-004

Description

A spectacular D/D/D triple-punched mintmark displaced West, South — three distinct impressions of the D mint mark visible on the reverse — makes this 1938-D Buffalo Nickel RPM-004 one of the most dramatic repunched mintmark varieties from the final year of James Earle Fraser's iconic series. Cataloged by VarietyVista with codes UVC-220 and DMR-005, the triple punch occurred when the die sinker at the Denver Mint struck the D punch three separate times, with the secondary impressions landing west and south of the primary position. Triple-punched mintmarks are substantially scarcer than standard double punches, and one appearing on the last Buffalo Nickel adds terminal-year significance to an already exceptional variety. Die progression spans 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). Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, the 1938-D concluded the twenty-five-year Buffalo Nickel run spanning 1913 to 1938. That this D/D/D triple punch was created on one of the very last working dies in the series makes it a fitting capstone to the hand-punching era of the design.

Die Markers

• UVC-220
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• Reverse and Obverse are EDS
• 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