What is a Repunched Mintmark?
Herb_T
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I have reviewed a couple of 1939-O 50ct Capped Bust coins now and in the description it includes the words “ Repunched Mintmark”. However the label on the graded coin makes no reference. What is a Repunched Mintmark?
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Found this.
It was punched, and punched again
This happened in the era when mintmarks were punched individually separate from the rest of the design on the die. It doesn't happen any more with the new laser engraved dies.
Here's an example from CoinFacts:
Up until the 1990s, mint marks were added to individual dies by means of a hand punch. Typically it took more than one strike to fully punch the mintmark into the hardened steel die. If the mint worker shifted the punch between strikes, the die would have multiple misaligned impressions. Coins struck from such dies where both impressions are visible are known as "repunched mint mark" varieties, or RPMs.
On a coin like an early Capped Bust half, an RPM probably wouldn't carry much premium, so most folks would not go out of their way to pay a premium to have it noted on a slab. On modern coins, some of the bolder RPMs can bring a nice premium. If you want to see examples, I suggest looking at a site like coppercoins.com, which has photos of hundreds of Lincoln Cent RPMs.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
I think you mean 1839-O. Mintmarks back then were punched into the dies by hand. If the punch moved slightly between hits of the punch by the hammer, doubling of the mintmark will be visible on the die and all coins struck by that die.
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"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
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Yup….1839-O, the left and right side of the brain isn’t always communicating correctly!
Thank you everyone! I appreciate your replies, they are helpful.
Herb, here is a website you may find helpful.
Jim
https://www.usmint.gov/learn/collecting-basics/glossary
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