1915 (S) Buffalo Nickel - Repunched Mintmark WRPM-001

Description

One of the most dramatic repunched mintmarks in the entire Buffalo Nickel series, the 1915-S WRPM-001 is a quintuple-punched S/S/S/S/S — five separate impressions of the S mintmark driven into the working die in northwest, west, east, and south directions from the final position. The result is a spectacular cluster of overlapping S impressions fanning outward, each representing a separate strike of the hand-held punch as the engraver sought correct placement. Attributed by Wexler and cross-referenced as CONECA RPM #2 and Cherrypickers FS-05-1915S-502, this variety also exhibits a die clash at the throat on the obverse and an abrasion mark at the left center of C in CENTS on the reverse. Five distinct mintmark impressions on a single die is extraordinary — most RPMs involve two or three punchings, making this quintuple example a standout of the hand-punching era. James Earle Fraser's iconic design was in only its third year, struck at San Francisco on 75% copper and 25% nickel at 21.2mm. Examine the S mintmark for five overlapping impressions, check the throat for the die clash, and locate the abrasion at C in CENTS.

Cross References

• CONECA: RPM #2, Cherrypickers: FS-05-1915S-502 (015.6); Wexler Variety ID: 1915-S 5¢ WRPM-001

External References