1959-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-002

Description

Documented by VarietyVista with internal tracking code UVC-423 and die marriage reference DMR-003, this 1959-D Jefferson Nickel displays a D/D Rotated CCW (counterclockwise) repunched mintmark where the initial D punch was applied with a slight counterclockwise rotational misalignment before the corrected second impression was made. Counterclockwise rotational repunched mintmarks produce a fan-shaped separation pattern where the top of the secondary D appears offset in one direction and the bottom in the opposite, creating a twisted or rocking appearance under magnification. Die stage documentation tracks three states uniquely: Stage A where both reverse and obverse are at early die state — an uncommon documentation of confirmed EDS for both dies — Stage B at mid-die-state (unconfirmed), and Stage C at late die state (unconfirmed). The confirmed early die state in Stage A is notable because EDS specimens preserve the sharpest evidence of the repunched mintmark before die wear begins to soften the overlapping letter impressions. The Jefferson Nickel was designed by Felix Schlag and struck at the Denver Mint in 1959, composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.00 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter. The 1959 date is historically significant as the year the Lincoln Cent reverse changed from the Wheat Ears to the Memorial design, though the Jefferson Nickel continued with its original Monticello reverse unchanged. Denver Mint repunched mintmarks from 1959 contribute to the comprehensive catalog of hand-punched mintmark variations that document this manual die preparation process across more than five decades of Jefferson Nickel production before mintmarks were incorporated into the master die.

Die Markers

• UVC-423
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Reverse and Obverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ken Chylinski
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References