1973-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-003

Description

Carrying UVC-474 and DMR-004 designations, RPM-003 is the third of four northward-displaced repunched mintmark varieties on the 1973-S proof Jefferson Nickel. The S/S North direction records yet another instance where the die setter's initial southward-biased placement required correction — a pattern now spanning two consecutive proof nickel dates with six total northward RPMs between 1972 and 1973. Stage A documents both obverse and reverse in early die state, while Stages B and C at mid-die state and late die state await confirmed specimens. Distinguishing RPM-003 from its three siblings on the 1973-S date demands precise measurement of the displacement distance and comparison of individual die markers, since all four share the same directional class. The hand-punching era's approaching end — still over fifteen years away in the early 1970s — was not yet anticipated, and San Francisco continued preparing each proof die through the same labor-intensive process of individually applying the S mintmark. Composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, these proof coins were sold exclusively through the Mint's annual proof set program.

Die Markers

• UVC-474
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References