1943-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-012

Description

Twelfth in VarietyVista's catalog of repunched mintmarks for the 1943-S Jefferson Nickel wartime silver alloy issue, RPM-012 is documented under UVC-146 and DMR-013. Four die stages trace the die's working life. Stages A through C present progressive deterioration. Stage D is notable for two significant late-stage features: a die break forming over the right roof in very late die state and a die crack running across the bust, documenting severe structural failure near retirement. The 1943-S was struck in 35% silver wartime alloy — 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese — adopted in 1942 to conserve nickel for military armor plating. This harder alloy accelerated die wear compared to standard copper-nickel, potentially contributing to the dramatic late-stage die breaks in Stage D. San Francisco's large S mintmark, positioned above Monticello, was hand-punched into each working die, creating opportunities for the misalignment that produced this twelfth documented RPM.

Die Markers

• UVC-146
• DMR-013
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Reverse is LDS
• Light die crack across upper hair – LDS
• Stage D:
• Die break over Right roof – VLDS
• Die crack across bust – VLDS

External References