1952-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-003

Description

San Francisco's 1952 Jefferson Nickel production yielded multiple repunched mintmark varieties, and WRPM-003 is the third such die documented by the Wexler Team. The early 1950s represent a transitional period in San Francisco Mint history — the facility would cease circulating coinage production in 1955, not resuming until 1968, making early-1950s S-mint issues the last of their kind for over a decade. This approaching hiatus lends added interest to varieties like WRPM-003, as these working dies were among the final generation of hand-punched dies prepared at San Francisco for circulating Jefferson Nickels. The repunching followed universal Mint procedure: a steel letter punch was positioned to the right of Monticello and struck with a mallet, and when the initial placement was unsatisfactory, a corrective second blow created the overlapping impressions collectors seek. The WRPM-003 designation indicates moderate variety activity, with at least three distinct RPM dies identified. Collectors who appreciate broader context will find the 1952-S noteworthy as part of San Francisco's final run of circulating nickels, a chapter closing just three years later.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ribar Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1952-S 5¢ WRPM-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References