1945-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-007

Description

Documented by VarietyVista, the 1945-S RPM-007 Washington Silver Quarter displays an S/S West repunched mintmark using MMS-002, the Trumpet Tail S mintmark punch style — a specific punch variant characterized by a flared, trumpet-shaped terminal on the lower curve of the S that distinguishes it from other S punch styles used during this production period. Die markers UVC-0586 / DMR-018 track three stages: Stage A at EDS (unconfirmed); Stage B at MDS (unconfirmed); and Stage C with both reverse and obverse at LDS. The confirmed LDS designation for Stage C indicates late die state specimens have been positively identified with the accumulated wear characteristics of a die nearing retirement. The identification of the specific Trumpet Tail punch (MMS-002) adds a layer of tooling documentation beyond simple positional displacement — RPM specialists track which physical mintmark punches were in service at each mint facility during specific production years, building a comprehensive metallurgical tool inventory that aids in authenticating and sequencing die varieties. The Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan and struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1945, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams with a diameter of 24.3 mm. The 1945-S had wartime-era production volumes, as the San Francisco Mint contributed to the nation's coinage output during the final months of World War II. The westward displacement of the S mintmark on this variety is consistent with a horizontal misalignment during the initial punch application, requiring the engraver to shift the S punch eastward for the corrective second impression and establishing the final position while leaving the western remnant of the first strike visible under magnification.

Die Markers

• UVC-0586
• DMR-018
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lee Hiemke
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References