This works: 
printf '<%vd>', pack 'c*', unpack '(A1)*', '123';

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First, it splits the string into one-character strings (A1), it then replaces each with the number the character represents (c*), which makes it ready for your printf template.
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In reply to Re: question regarding "v" flag of printf by choroba
in thread question regarding "v" flag of printf by lightoverhead

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