1971-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-001

Description

D/D tilted and rotated, this primary repunched mintmark for the 1971 Denver Mint Kennedy Half Dollar preserves evidence of a corrective second punch of the D mintmark at a different angle from the original placement. Attributed by the Wexler Team under Wexler Variety ID 1971-D 50c WRPM-001, die markers include the "Hidden Hair Strand" on the obverse (also designated WSDO-001 for series doubling), two short NW/SE die scratches between the TR of TRUST located approximately at center, a large semi-flanged G on the reverse, and a short N/S die gouge inside the upper opening of the F in HALF positioned above the right end of the bottom horizontal bar. Before the U.S. Mint transitioned to placing mintmarks on the master die around 1990, each working die received its mintmark through a separate hand-punching operation, and the 1971-D date fell during this era of individual die preparation. A tilted or rotated RPM indicates that the mintmark punch was held at a different angle during the second impression, producing a rotational offset rather than a simple directional shift. The 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar was the first Denver Mint half dollar struck entirely in copper-nickel clad composition after the discontinuation of the 40% silver alloy used from 1965 through 1970. The association with WSDO-001 (series doubling) adds a secondary variety to this already distinctive die.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Michael Taw Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1971-D 50¢ WRPM-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References