1946-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-003

Description

With the return to peacetime production in 1946, the Jefferson Nickel reverted to its original copper-nickel composition after three years of wartime silver alloy, and the S mintmark migrated back from its temporary position above Monticello to its standard location beside the building. WRPM-003 of the 1946-S, attributed by the Wexler Team, documents the third cataloged RPM among San Francisco dies prepared for this transitional year. The 1946-S has yielded a notably deep RPM census — at least eight varieties formally cataloged, reflecting challenges engravers faced resuming the pre-war mintmark placement after years of using the enlarged wartime punch in a different position. Each working die required its S mintmark to be individually applied by hand, and the transition back to the smaller, lower-positioned punch may have contributed to an above-average rate of misalignment. Collectors should focus on the area surrounding the S mintmark for evidence of a secondary impression at a slightly different angle or position from the primary mintmark.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Tim Wissert Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1946-S 5¢ WRPM-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References