1969-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002

Description

Where the 1968-S proof nickels consistently show eastward repunching, the 1969-S RPM-002 reverses direction with an S/S West displacement — the die setter's first punch landed too far east, requiring a corrective westward second impression. This directional shift between consecutive years is significant to RPM specialists tracking San Francisco Mint production tendencies. Attributed as UVC-439 and DMR-004 in the VarietyVista system, three die stages are cataloged: Stage A records both obverse and reverse in early die state, while Stage B at mid-die state and Stage C at late die state are unconfirmed. The westward correction left the original S's eastern edge protruding beyond the final mintmark position, creating the diagnostic overlap that collectors seek. Proof Jefferson Nickels of this era were struck on specially prepared planchets of 75% copper and 25% nickel, with each coin receiving multiple strikes from polished dies to achieve the characteristic mirror fields and frosted devices. The hand-punched mintmark process applied to these proof dies remained unchanged from the methods used decades earlier.

Die Markers

• UVC-439
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Michael L. Ellis
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References