1961 (D) Jefferson Nickel - Repunched Mintmark WRPM-001

Description

Holding the primary WRPM-001 designation from the Wexler Team, this 1961-D Jefferson Nickel documents the first and typically most prominent repunched mintmark variety cataloged for the date and mint. The year 1961 represents one of the final years before the coin shortage crisis of the mid-1960s prompted sweeping changes to United States coinage, including the elimination of hand-punched mintmarks in favor of hub-integrated marks by 1990. At the Denver Mint, each working die still received its D mintmark through an individual hand-punching operation — a skilled engraver positioned a steel letter punch to the right of Monticello and struck it with a mallet. When the initial impression landed slightly off-target, a corrective second blow created the overlapping images that define a repunched mintmark. As WRPM-001, this variety serves as the benchmark for any additional 1961-D RPM discoveries and typically exhibits the strongest or most readily visible repunching among cataloged varieties. Jefferson Nickel RPMs from the early 1960s remain accessible in circulated grades, offering collectors an affordable entry point into attributed die varieties from the late pre-clad era.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1961-D 5¢ WRPM-001

External References