Hey, I came across an odd nickel while I was coin roll hunting. I think it may just be defaced in some weird way, but I couldn't picture what someone could do to the coin to make it look this way, while leaving the middle intact, and the front untouched. So can anyone tell me if this is an error that occurred at the mint, or if someone just decided to deface this coin?
Looks like someone ground aya part of the reverse. PMD. I don't think the coin could have been fully struck on the obverse while missing so much of the reverse & the edge slash.
I agree with KoinJester , this looks quite similar to a cent coin I had on this forum a while back that caused so much confusion. Like KoinJester said this may be from a late stage die cap . when a die cap becomes worn out and super thin in places some of the design from the coin die will be on the struck coin. A good way to tell for sure or not is to weigh the coin. if it is the same weight as a normal coin then it's mostlikely from a late stage capped die. If the coin weighs less than a normal one then part of it may have been removed by someone.
Although brighter photographs would help in making my decision, I will agree that it is a late stage capped die. The only thing that worries me is how crisp the strike looks to be on the reverse in the middle of the surface. The entire surface should be the same, not uneven. Either way, I'll stick with my gut. Anyway you could supply us with more photos? -Brian
