I found this coin in circulation. I haven't been able to find anything to compare it too; but it appears to me this is an error, not something It is a 2002 Mississippi D.... Has anyone seen any thing like this ? Thank you. This is my first post.
The area in question is raised; and doesn't appear like a random smudge; though I could be wrong. Just to be clear, you think it looks like heat damage to the coin before or after minting?
Yes it has been exposed to high heat after leaving the mint. It is just damaged. EDIT: Here is a similar thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/planchet-or-plating-error-1974-kennedy-half.340625/#post-3566599
It probably suffered a 150* degree sidewalk in July somewhere. Cooked like my fried eggs this morning.
If thats the case....why would it have extra material? If it melted wouldn't it have less ? It's like a mountain range is on top of the coins design, but the design is still over it.
I believe heat damage can cause "bubbling" on the surface. It may even weigh the same, just a distorted surface.