1971-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-002

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as the second cataloged repunched mintmark for the 1971-D Jefferson Nickel, WRPM-002 captures an era when Denver was the primary producer of circulating nickels while San Francisco devoted increasing capacity to proof issues. The early 1970s saw Mint operations concentrate business-strike production at Philadelphia and Denver, placing greater die preparation demands on these facilities. Each Denver working die received its D mintmark through traditional hand-punching — a steel letter punch positioned beside Monticello and struck with a mallet. When the initial placement deviated from the intended position, a corrective second punch created the overlapping impressions that variety collectors identify as RPMs. The WRPM-002 designation indicates this was the second distinct RPM die identified for 1971-D, suggesting moderate variety activity consistent with the production volume. Felix Schlag's original 1938 design remained in use, providing the familiar Monticello backdrop against which the D mintmark sits. Collectors pursuing early 1970s Jefferson RPMs benefit from the date's wide availability in circulated grades.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Bordner Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1971-D 5¢ WRPM-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References