1970-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-008

Description

Third and final tilted repunched mintmark cataloged for the 1970-S proof Jefferson Nickel, RPM-008 carries UVC-510 and DMR-010 designations. The S/S Tilted displacement on this variety represents a distinct die from RPM-003 and RPM-007, with its own unique combination of tilt angle and separation characteristics. Stage A records both obverse and reverse in early die state, while Stages B and C at mid-die state and late die state await confirmed specimens. The prevalence of tilted RPMs on 1970-S proof nickels — three out of six total varieties — suggests that angular misalignment was at least as common as lateral displacement among San Francisco die setters working this particular denomination. Tilted repunching may have occurred when the die setter rotated the mintmark punch slightly in the fingers between positioning and striking, a natural consequence of the manual dexterity required to hold a small steel punch steady against a curved die face. Proof strikes on the 75% copper and 25% nickel planchet produced sharp definition that makes even subtle RPM displacement readily visible under modest magnification.

Die Markers

• UVC-510
• DMR-010
• 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