1940-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-006

Description

A lateral displacement distinguishes RPM-006 of the 1940-D Mercury Dime, where the secondary D impression shifts directly west — to the left — of the primary mintmark. Unlike diagonal repunchings that combine vertical and horizontal offset, a due-west shift indicates the punch moved along a purely horizontal axis before the final blow, leaving the ghost of the earlier impression protruding from the left side of the finished D. This is the sixth cataloged RPM for the 1940-D, part of a cluster of repunched mintmarks generated across Denver's working dies that year. The hand-punching process required each die to be individually marked, and the inherent imprecision of manual placement guaranteed visible repunching on some percentage of dies. Weinman's 1916 design features Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap — wings symbolizing freedom of thought — with a fasces reverse representing unity. Struck in 90% silver at 17.9mm. Collectors should look for extra thickness or shadowing on the left edge of the D mintmark on the reverse.

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