1948-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-001

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1948-D 5-cent WRPM-001 and cross-referenced as CONECA RPM #3, this Jefferson Nickel exhibits a repunched D mintmark from the Denver Mint. The CONECA RPM #3 designation indicates this is the third cataloged repunched mintmark for the 1948-D Jefferson Nickel in the CONECA system, establishing its position within a known population of RPM varieties for this date-mint combination. Obverse die markers include a die gouge in the field to the south-southwest of the right star flanking the word LIBERTY. Reverse markers document a die crack running south down the right side of the Monticello dome, passing between columns three and four, and continuing down to the steps — a progressive fracture line that traverses multiple architectural elements of Felix Schlag's reverse design depicting Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate. The die crack's path from dome to steps traces the building's vertical axis, following a natural stress line in the die where the deep recesses between the columned portico features concentrate striking forces. The Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Denver Mint in 1948, composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.00 grams with a diameter of 21.2 mm. Schlag won the design competition for the Jefferson Nickel in 1938, and the original Monticello reverse served until 2003. The 1948-D had a mintage of approximately 44.7 million pieces. Repunched mintmark varieties on Jefferson Nickels from the late 1940s reflect the manual punch application process at the Denver facility during the post-war era.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lloyd Hanson Cross References: CONECA: RPM #3
• CONECA: RPM #3; Wexler Variety ID: 1948-D 5¢ WRPM-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References