1946-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-004

Description

Tracked by VarietyVista under UVC-0635 and DMR-009, this 1946-S Washington Silver Quarter exhibits a repunched S mintmark documented across three die states with an unusual progression: Stage A in early die state remains unconfirmed, Stage B at mid-die-state is likewise unconfirmed, while Stage C — late die state — shows confirmed observations with both the reverse and obverse in LDS condition. This inverted confirmation pattern, where the latest state is confirmed but earlier states are not, suggests that surviving specimens of this variety tend to come from later in the die's production run, possibly because the repunching evidence became more apparent as surrounding die wear developed contrast around the displaced mintmark impressions. The Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan and struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1946, the first postwar year, in 90% silver at 6.25 grams with a 24.3 mm diameter. The 1946-S quarter saw substantial postwar mintage as the Mint restored normal production levels after wartime constraints. San Francisco mintmark punching during this era was performed manually, with each working die receiving its S individually — the fourth cataloged repunched mintmark for this date-mint combination documents one of several instances where the engraver's initial S placement required correction. Collectors should note that the LDS-confirmed status means specimens with the most visible repunching may also show advanced die wear features such as softened design detail, die cracks, or flow lines that developed as the die approached the end of its useful life.

Die Markers

• UVC-0635
• DMR-009
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

External References