1973-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-004

Description

Closing the four-variety RPM catalog for the 1973-S proof Jefferson Nickel, RPM-004 is attributed as UVC-514 and DMR-005 with the same S/S North displacement that characterizes every RPM variety documented across the 1972-1973 proof nickel production. Stage A records both obverse and reverse in early die state, and Stages B and C remain unconfirmed at mid-die state and late die state. The unbroken run of northward displacements across six varieties over two years represents one of the most consistent directional patterns in the proof RPM catalog for any denomination. After 1973, the frequency of new proof nickel RPM discoveries diminishes, possibly reflecting improvements in mintmark positioning procedures or simply reduced collector scrutiny of later dates. The San Francisco Mint would continue hand-punching mintmarks into proof dies through 1989 for business strikes and 1990 for proofs, but the concentration of RPM varieties in the 1968-1973 window marks this as the peak era for proof nickel repunched mintmark production. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Die Markers

• UVC-514
• DMR-005
• 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