1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-013

Description

Unlike the more common southward repunching seen on many 1942-D Mercury Dime varieties, RPM-013 exhibits northward displacement — the original D mintmark impression sits above the final accepted position, noted as "D/D North." This directional distinction makes the variety immediately identifiable among the extensive catalog of 1942-D repunched mintmarks, as most entries for this date show southward or eastward displacement. The northward shift indicates that the engraver's initial punch landed higher on the die than intended, requiring a corrective second punch below to achieve the proper mintmark location. Adolph Weinman's Winged Liberty Head design places the mintmark on the reverse, near the base of the fasces — a position where even small positional differences between punch impressions become detectable under magnification. Denver's 1942 dime production occurred during the first full year of American involvement in World War II, when the Mint was under pressure to maintain coinage output while simultaneously producing military medals and other wartime items. Thirteen cataloged RPMs for the 1942-D date represents a substantial body of documented variety, reflecting both the volume of dies consumed and the diligence of researchers who have examined this date over decades. Mercury Dime RPM specialists often classify their collections by directional orientation, and the northward displacement of RPM-013 places it in a less populated category than the southward variants, potentially making well-attributed specimens more challenging to locate.

External References