Not sure if this is an optical illusion because the cent is worn but the whole design looks bigger and looks closer to the rim. The coins are the same diameter but the worn cen t is .0015 thinner.
The Lincoln cent was redesigned in 1982 making the bust, lettering and the date smaller. Does this also mean thinner letters? I don't know. It's possible that a 1982 reverse die was used for your 1983 cent, but that is just a guess. Chris
Dang those letters are pretty thick. One thing to think about is when a die is used for a long period of time, the design deteriorates. This could be an answer. I can't tell, is there a crack that runs from the lower right base of the memorial? Better yet, check out this link and compare. The pic is blurry when I zoom in. http://www.coppercoins.com/lincoln/diestate.php?date=1983&die_id=1983p1dr002&die_state=mds
The thickness of the letters could be due to die wear, which is known for giving letters a "thicker" appearance. On the other hand, the thinner letters could be caused by die abasion, as there were many clashes in 1983 and the mint was busy scrubbing them off. Die abrasion can cause letters to become thinner. Keep up the hunt!
I was thinking die wear as well but its consistent on the entire design. What made it catch my eye was the fact that the top of the letters are were the rim is and look how close the lower right corner of the memorial is to the rim. Its half the distance of the other coin, which is one if the better 83s I have. And no die cracks on this reverse. The obverse is normal with the same amount of wear. Thanks guys.
LOL did the mint workers go on strike in 83 and they hired replacements??? Half the coins I find are a disaster in one form or another lol
