1938 (D) Buffalo Nickel - Repunched Mintmark RPM-006

Description

Cataloged as UVC-222, DMR-007, this 1938 Denver Mint Buffalo Nickel displays a repunched mintmark with the D/D punched east, leaving traces of the initial punch position to the east of the corrected placement. Three die stages have been documented: Stage A is EDS (unconfirmed); Stage B shows the reverse in MDS while the obverse is LDS, an unusual mismatch indicating the obverse die accumulated more wear than its paired reverse. Stage C is LDS (unconfirmed). The 1938-D holds special significance as the final year of Buffalo Nickel production, making it the last date in James Earle Fraser's beloved series that debuted in 1913. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, the 1938-D had a limited production run before the Jefferson Nickel replaced it mid-year. The eastward direction of the secondary D punch provides a clear directional diagnostic for attribution, and the mismatched die states in Stage B offer insight into die management during the final months of Buffalo Nickel coinage.

Die Markers

• UVC-222
• DMR-007
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse is MDS
• Obverse is LDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References