1939-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-001

Description

As the first cataloged repunched mintmark for the 1939-D Jefferson nickel, WRPM-001 documents a D/D/D triple-punched mintmark where two successive tilted (rotated) repunchings left visible traces beneath the final mintmark position. The Wexler Team attributed this variety under the designation 1939-D 5¢ WRPM-001, with no additional cross-references in other cataloging systems. Obverse die markers include die scratches extending west from the left side of the W in WE and a NE/SW die scratch at the right lower side of the E in WE. The reverse die carries die scratches running northwest from the top of the mintmark, an irregular die scratch pattern above the left side of the Monticello building, and a NE/SW die scratch at the upper inside of the S in CENTS. The 1939-D Jefferson nickel holds a special place in the series as only the second year of issue for Felix Schlag's design, which debuted in 1938. Denver struck 3,514,000 nickels that year, a mintage low enough to generate genuine scarcity for specific die varieties. The D/D/D triple-punch configuration is relatively uncommon in the RPM census, as most repunched mintmarks show only two punch impressions (D/D). Each additional repunching adds complexity to the diagnostic pattern and requires the attributor to reconstruct the sequence of punch applications -- first position, correction, and second correction -- that produced the final visible alignment. The multiple die scratch markers on both obverse and reverse provide an unusually rich set of confirmation points for this early-series Jefferson nickel RPM.

Attribution History

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1939-D 5¢ WRPM-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References