1969-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-003

Description

Second of the westward-displaced repunched mintmarks on the 1969-S proof Jefferson Nickel, RPM-003 carries UVC-440 and DMR-005 designations. The S/S West direction matches RPM-002 for the same date, indicating a possible pattern in how San Francisco die setters approached mintmark placement on 1969 proof nickel dies — the initial punch consistently landing east of the target, necessitating a westward corrective blow. Die stage records show Stage A with both obverse and reverse surfaces in early die state, and Stages B and C unconfirmed at mid-die state and late die state respectively. Distinguishing RPM-003 from RPM-002 requires careful examination of the specific displacement distance, the angle of separation between primary and secondary S impressions, and the unique die markers each variety carries from its individual working die. The late 1960s represent the golden age of repunched mintmark production on proof coinage, as San Francisco struck every denomination in proof while still relying on hand-punched mintmarks. Composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the 1969-S proof nickel saw production figures typical of the era's collector demand.

Die Markers

• UVC-440
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References