I love this coin and the pictures do no justice.I hope you guys can give me some insight how this happen---it doesn't touch lincoln or the Memorial but the rest of the penny is covered with three lines
Die scratches can be anywhere on a die. They are often used as PUPs (pick up points) to identify die varieties and die stage. The ring is explained here: http://www.error-ref.com/?s=design+devouring+die+wear
The guys are right , the mint workers have tried to restore a old overused die by polishing something off it . Feeder finger damage is much more pronounced than the die scratches and mostimes only go in one direction.
Feeder finger rubs will often wear a smooth spot on the die that will leave a shiny spot on the coin.