1943-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002

Description

Turning from Denver to San Francisco, the 1943-S Mercury Dime RPM-002 records an S/S repunching displaced west — the secondary S shifted left of the primary mintmark. RPM catalogs for S-mint dates tend to be shorter than Denver's, reflecting either lower die volumes, fewer surviving examples studied, or both. Westward displacement manifests as extra width or a faint secondary curve extending from the left side of the S, where the initial attempt left its mark before the corrective strike. San Francisco occupied a unique wartime position — the city was a major embarkation point for Pacific Theater operations, and its Mint continued coining throughout the conflict. The sinuous curves of the S can make repunching evidence more or less visible depending on direction; westward shifts tend to be well defined because the left curves provide a clear comparison edge. Weinman's design, now twenty-seven years into production, remained the standard ten-cent piece in 90% silver at 17.9mm and 2.50 grams. Examine the left side of the S on the reverse for the westward ghost impression.

External References