1969-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-005

Description

Distinguished as the only proof-strike RPM in the 1969-S VarietyVista roster, RPM-005 (UVC-1185, DMR-006) exhibits an S/S Tilted repunch on a coin struck as part of the 1969 proof set at the San Francisco Mint. The tilted orientation indicates that the mint mark punch was applied at a slight rotational angle on the first impression, then corrected to proper alignment on the second strike — leaving a ghost S offset at an angle beneath the final position. Proof dies received particular care in preparation, including heavier polishing and slower press speeds, making the survival of a repunched mint mark on a proof die especially significant: it confirms that even the enhanced quality-control standards applied to proof production could not entirely prevent hand-punch errors prior to the adoption of master-die mint marks in the 1990s. Three die states are cataloged. Stage A shows Early Die State on both surfaces, with the brilliant mirrored fields and frosted devices characteristic of early proof die impressions. Stages B (Mid Die State) and C (Late Die State) have been reported but remain unconfirmed, likely because proof dies were retired earlier than business-strike dies to maintain surface quality. Collectors of proof errors prize RPM-005 for its dual appeal as both a mint mark variety and a proof striking, combining two distinct collecting specialties in a single coin.

Die Markers

• UVC-1185
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References