1972-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002

Description

Confirming the northward displacement pattern observed on RPM-001, the 1972-S proof Jefferson Nickel RPM-002 also exhibits S/S North direction with the initial S punched too far south and corrected upward. Carrying UVC-455 and DMR-003, this second variety shares the same directional class but originates from a different working die with distinct die markers and separation characteristics. Stage A records both obverse and reverse in early die state, and Stages B and C remain unconfirmed at mid-die state and late die state. Two northward RPMs on the same date — with no eastward, westward, or tilted varieties cataloged — suggests a systematic southward bias in the mintmark positioning for 1972 proof nickel dies, possibly related to the specific punch holder or alignment guide used at San Francisco that year. The proof striking process delivered multiple impressions from polished dies onto specially prepared 75% copper and 25% nickel planchets, producing the frosted cameo devices against mirror fields that define the format. Wexler and VarietyVista cross-reference this variety in their respective proof nickel RPM catalogs.

Die Markers

• UVC-455
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lee Hiemke
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References