1962-D Nickel RPM: Do You Need This in Your Collection?

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Written By Natasha Jones
I'm Natasha Jones, an avid collector of coins, stamps, and paper money. My passion drives me to seek unique finds, from antique shops to international exchanges. I enjoy connecting with fellow collectors through forums and meet-ups, sharing discoveries and insights.

Hey, have you heard about the 1962-D nickel RPM? It’s a pretty interesting find for collectors of U.S. coins.

I must share that this is a pretty cool addition to any collection.

This coin could be a good option if you’re looking for something with added value but not as expensive as other rare coins.

It’s worth considering, but it’s not extremely rare.

What is a 1962-D Nickel RPM?

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According to my research, a 1962-D nickel RPM is just a 1962-D nickel with a repunched mintmark.

In short, what happened was that they punched the mintmark on the coin in the wrong spot and then had to correct it by punching it again in the same spot.

But if you’re wondering if this is a kind of coin error, it isn’t. It’s a unique type of coin that was accidentally created at the mint.

I find these coins a good addition to anyone’s collection due to their uniqueness! If you ever stumble upon one of these while trading or buying coins online, I just wanted to let you know that they don’t have any cash value.

But if you’re a collector and looking to complete your set of rare varieties, they can be super valuable!

Characteristics:

So, what are the characteristics of a 1962-D nickel RPM?

  • The Mintmark is Repunched.
    • We must check if mintmark has been dented in the center and slightly on both sides.
1962-d-nickel-rpm
  • The Mintmark is Off-Center
    • We should also check if the lettering on the “United States Of America” coin is not aligned with the other letters. Also, it looks crooked compared to all the other coins made in Denver that year.
1962-d-nickel-rpm
  • The Mintmark is Raised.
    • Mostly, RPM coins’ mintmarks are not flat. Can you see the mintmark on the image? Do you see how it’s not flat? It’s raised above the other letters and looks like it could pop out any second! It’s one of our indicators that a coin might be an RPM!
1962-d-nickel-rpm

Where Do RPM Coins Come From?

So, you can find RPMs on the die, in the press, and on the coin itself. But, hey, did you know that sometimes when they’re making coins, an error can happen, leaving a mark on every single one they produce?

So what happens is that these coins are removed from circulation and then sold individually or as a collection.

Double-die RPMs are the most common variant. A doubled die happens when two impressions from a single press run happen because the hubbing process wasn’t successful or was stopped by an outside force (such as an earthquake). This mistake is also known as a “mintmark doubling.”

How Much is a 1962-D nickel RPM worth?

The price of a 1962-D nickel RPM will vary depending on its condition, with very high-grade examples (MS67 or higher).

Several factors determine the value of a coin:

  • Rarity
    • Did you know that around 615 million nickels were minted in 1962? That means it’s not as rare as some other coins out there. Only around 38 known examples of this piece are combined in all grades. It’s pretty impressive, considering its small size and hefty price tag!
  • Condition
    • Just like with most coins, the value of your 1962 nickel depends on its condition. It could be worth a lot or just a few bucks. It could be worth quite a lot if it’s in pristine condition with no scratches or scuffs on the surface. I’m talking potentially even thousands! However, did you know that if something has any damage, its value drops significantly? And we’re not just talking about “little dings” here. Anything like that will drop the value to nothing!

Do You Need a 1962-D Nickel RPM in Your Collection?

You don’t need to get an RPM if you’re looking to complete a set of regular nickels or want a 1962-D nickel for its historical value.

Compared to an ordinary coin in good condition, the RPM coin is worth about $4 more.

But, hey, if you’re looking to gather all four mints and years from 1962 to 1964, you might want to consider getting an RPM. If I were you, I’d suggest getting one or two as part of your collection.

It’s a cheap insurance policy against having any serious regrets later on down the road if they become rarer than anyone ever expected.

Before you go…

Lastly, the advice I can give you is this, if you’re looking to buy a 1962-D nickel RPM, there are several ways to get your hands on one. If you’re looking to purchase it, your best option would be to buy it straight from Heritage Auctions or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). You should consult a professional to ensure you get a good price on this rare coin. If you’re considering purchasing an RPM with unknown origins, I just wanted to give you a heads-up to be extra cautious!

Check out my next article: “Lincoln Cent RPM – Do You Need This In Your Collection?

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