1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-003

Description

Third repunched mintmark variety documented for the 1942-S Mercury dime, RPM-003 presents an S/S South displacement accompanied by the additional attribution of MMS-003 (Trumpet Tail) and the significant Fivaz-Stanton cross-reference FS-502. Adolph A. Weinman's Mercury (Winged Liberty Head) dime design, in production from 1916 through 1945, places the S mintmark on the reverse to the left of the fasces bundle — a position where the small letter's curves and serifs readily reveal secondary punch impressions. The S/S South notation indicates the secondary mintmark impression sits below the primary position, creating a visible extension or shadow beneath the S. The MMS-003 (Trumpet Tail) designation describes a specific mintmark style where the lower curve of the S terminates in a flared or trumpet-shaped tail, distinguishing this punch from the various other S mintmark styles used across San Francisco's dime production. San Francisco struck approximately 49.3 million dimes in 1942, a wartime production year that saw increased demand for small-denomination coinage. The FS-502 cross-reference in the Cherry Pickers' Guide provides mainstream collector recognition for this variety, elevating it above the many RPMs that lack Fivaz-Stanton listings and making it a target for variety hunters working from the published guide. Repunched mintmarks on Mercury dimes are particularly collectible because Weinman's design was produced entirely during the hand-punched mintmark era, and the small size of the dime's mintmark amplifies the visual impact of secondary punch impressions relative to the letter size. Collectors should examine the lower portion of the S mintmark at 15-20x magnification for the southward secondary impression, while simultaneously noting the trumpet tail characteristic of the mintmark style to confirm the MMS-003 attribution.

External References