1960-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-003

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1960-D 5¢ WRPM-003, this Jefferson Nickel exhibits a D/D repunched mintmark that is tilted or rotated — the secondary D impression was applied at a slight angle relative to the primary, producing a rotational offset where different portions of the letter show varying degrees of separation rather than a uniform directional shift. Obverse die markers include a die scratch running southwest from the bottom center of the 0 in the date. Reverse die markers feature die scratches running south-southeast from the bottom of the S in PLURIBUS. No cross-references to other cataloging systems are currently known. The rotational component of this RPM is diagnostically significant because tilted repunches create a fan-like displacement pattern — one side of the secondary D impression may nearly coincide with the primary while the opposite side shows maximum separation, producing an asymmetric doubling signature unique to rotational misalignment. The Jefferson Nickel was designed by Felix Schlag and struck at the Denver Mint in 1960 in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.00 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter. The Monticello reverse depicts Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate in architectural detail. Denver Mint mintmark application during this era remained a manual hand-punch process, and the rotational component on WRPM-003 suggests the engraver held the D punch at a slightly different angle during the second strike rather than simply misplacing it laterally. Collectors should examine the D mintmark under 10x magnification, looking for the characteristic asymmetric separation pattern where one side of the letter shows more displacement than the other — the hallmark of a rotated rather than shifted repunch.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ribar Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1960-D 5¢ WRPM-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References