Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) Guide
Repunched mint marks (RPMs) occur when the mint mark was manually punched into the working die more than once, resulting in a doubled, shifted, or tilted secondary impression. RPMs are found on US coins from the 1830s through 1989, when the mint switched to placing mint marks on the master die. They are among the most collectible die varieties.
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RPM North/South
The mint mark was punched twice with the second punch shifted vertically, showing a secondary impression above or below the primary.
How to check: Examine the mint mark under magnification. Look for traces of a second impression directly above (north) or below (south) the primary mark.
$5 - $100RPM East/West
The second punch shifted horizontally, showing a secondary impression to the left or right of the primary mint mark.
How to check: Look for a shadow or secondary impression to the left (west) or right (east) of the primary mint mark.
$5 - $100RPM Tilted/Rotated
The second punch was applied at a different angle, creating a tilted secondary impression.
How to check: Look for a mint mark that appears to have a rotated shadow or secondary impression at a different angle than the primary.
$10 - $150Over Mint Mark (OMM)
A different mint mark letter was punched over the original. For example, a D punched over an S.
How to check: Look for traces of a different letter beneath the primary mint mark. D/S and S/D varieties are the most common.
$25 - $500+Quick Checks
- Always examine the mint mark area under magnification (10x minimum)
- Look for any shadow, trace, or secondary impression near the mint mark
- Check for different letter traces beneath the primary mark (over mint mark)
- RPMs are only possible on coins dated 1989 and earlier
- Common on Lincoln cents, Jefferson nickels, Roosevelt dimes, and Washington quarters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a repunched mint mark?
A repunched mint mark (RPM) occurs when the mint mark punch was applied to the die more than once, leaving a doubled or shifted secondary impression visible under magnification. This practice ended in 1989 when mint marks began being placed on the master die.
How valuable are repunched mint marks?
Most RPMs are worth $5-$50. Dramatic examples with strong secondary impressions, over mint marks (D/S, S/D), or RPMs on key dates can be worth $100-$500+.
How do I identify a repunched mint mark?
Use a 10x or stronger magnifier to examine the mint mark area. Look for any trace of a secondary impression — a shadow, partial letter, or shifted duplicate. Upload a close-up photo to ErrorHunt for AI-powered analysis.
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