1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-017

Description

Among the most unusual 1942-D Mercury Dime RPM entries, RPM-017 exhibits a D/D repunching where the secondary impression is rotated clockwise — an uncommon rotation type distinct from the directional displacements found on the other sixteen varieties. Rotated repunchings occur when the die punch was not only mispositioned but turned on its axis between impressions, so the secondary D appears tilted rather than simply shifted in a cardinal direction. Instead of a parallel ghost offset in one direction, the examiner sees a secondary D whose vertical axis is canted relative to the primary, producing angular mismatch affecting both the straight stroke and curved bowl simultaneously. Clockwise rotation means the top of the secondary D leans right relative to the primary. This is unusual because the punch was typically held vertically and struck straight down — achieving rotational offset required an uncommon combination of grip angle and placement. Struck at Denver in 90% silver on a 17.9mm planchet with Weinman's Winged Liberty Head and fasces designs. The rotated secondary D is best observed by comparing the angle of the ghost impression's vertical stroke against the primary.

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