1961-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-002

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista under internal tracking code UVC-486 and die marriage reference DMR-003, this 1961-D Jefferson Nickel exhibits a D/D Rotated CCW (counterclockwise) repunched mintmark. The counterclockwise rotational component means the engraver's initial punch application was twisted slightly in that direction relative to the final corrected impression, creating an overlap pattern where the two D impressions diverge at their extremities while converging near the center of rotation. Die stage documentation records three states: Stage A at early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B where both reverse and obverse are at mid-die-state, and Stage C at late die state (unconfirmed). The confirmed MDS for both dies in Stage B establishes the most commonly encountered condition for this variety, with collectors needing to search more extensively for early or late die state specimens. The Jefferson Nickel was designed by Felix Schlag and struck at the Denver Mint in 1961, composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.00 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter. The early 1960s represent the peak period for hand-punched mintmark variety production on Jefferson Nickels, as the Denver Mint was producing large quantities of circulating coinage to meet growing commercial demand during the postwar expansion. By 1965, the Coinage Act would eliminate silver from dimes and quarters and suspend mint mark use entirely through 1967, making the early 1960s Denver mintmark varieties among the last produced before this temporary interruption. The counterclockwise rotation distinguishes RPM-002 from other repunched mintmarks in the 1961-D population that show directional (north, south, east, west) displacements rather than rotational offsets.

Die Markers

• UVC-486
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jerome Goodman
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References