1963-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-001

Description

Primary repunched mintmark for the final Denver Franklin Half Dollar, this 1963-D RPM-001 shows a D over D repunched to the south — beginning what would become the most prolific RPM date in the entire Franklin Half Dollar series with five cataloged varieties. The 1963-D holds special significance as the last Denver-minted Franklin Half Dollar: Kennedy's assassination in November 1963 prompted immediate plans to honor the president on the half dollar, and the Franklin design was replaced beginning in 1964. This makes every 1963-D RPM a "last year" variety for the Franklin series at Denver. The southward displacement means the initial D was positioned too high, and the corrective downward shift left first-punch remnants above the final D. The 1963-D had a substantial mintage, and the five documented RPMs reflect the large number of working dies prepared for this high-volume production — each die receiving its D mintmark through the same hand-punching process that had been used throughout the series' sixteen-year run. Struck in 90% silver at 30.6mm with Sinnock's designs. As the first-numbered RPM on the final Denver Franklin, this variety opens the last chapter of hand-punched mintmarks on this denomination before the Kennedy design change.

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