1963-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-005

Description

Fifth and final repunched mintmark for the 1963-D Franklin Half Dollar — and therefore the last cataloged RPM in the entire Franklin Half Dollar series — this RPM-005 shows a D over D repunched to the southwest. The diagonal displacement direction combines downward and leftward correction, placing the initial D's remnants to the northeast of the final position. As the series' terminal RPM, this variety holds a unique distinction: it represents the very last documented instance of a hand-punched mintmark being corrected on a Franklin Half Dollar working die. The southwest direction adds the only diagonal displacement to the 1963-D set, complementing the three southward (RPMs 001-003) and one westward (RPM-004) varieties. The southwest correction is a compound of the two most common individual directions for this date, suggesting the die maker's initial punch was both too high and too far right — requiring simultaneous downward and leftward adjustment. Struck in 90% silver at 30.6mm and 12.5 grams, this final RPM closes out sixteen years of hand-punched mintmark varieties on Sinnock's Benjamin Franklin design. Examine the D mintmark for the northeast-displaced first impression — traces of the initial punch sitting above and to the right of the final position mark this as the Franklin Half Dollar's last repunched mintmark.

External References