1/18/2007 I was checking some 1944-D Lincoln Cents for RPM’s when this one showed up. On close inspection the inside line looks like part of an obverse rim. Any ideas on what happened? Thanks, A.J.
looks like pre mint damage! i've never seen anything like that, but maybe someone else would know more. it looks like it happened inside the mint. might even be worth some $!
Looks like a planchet split (similar to a lamination peel) and the piece fell away sometime (possibly many years) after the coin was struck.
Not that I doubt the opinions of my learned colleagues, but, "WHAT?" Look at the distance of the "IN" and "G" (of God) from the rim. If it was a lamination that peeled off the words would still be the same distance from the rim as the rest of the legend. Sorry, but I think that it may (emphasis on 'may') be post strike damage. Yes, the reverse does not show the effects of being crushed, but it does not seem logical for the words to migrate inward. Also, the "IN" seems larger than usual, that is, spread toward the rim.
1/22/2007 On this subject I am woefully ignorant, but having the coin in hand, and considering my original opinion - as to the simple question as to when but now how – I still believe it to be a mint error (not post-mint) of some sort. Thanks, A.J.
Mike Diamond, I appreciate your opinion, but still feel uncertain regarding the planchet issue (or whatever). Perhaps this scan can help in some sort of explanation - I just have a hard time trying to conceive how someone might accomplish the post-mint result. The inside rim, what do you think? Perhaps you could elaborate on your opinion.... I could sure use some insight here.... Thanks, A.J.
It was the letters existing in the planchet flaw area that made me think it was pre-strike, I don't see how it could happen otherwise
The word "IN" appears to be flattened in the affected area. The reverse rim directly across from it may also show flattening, but I can't be sure. My suspicion is that the coin is also out-of-round. Measure the diameter with a micrometer or a caliper from 10:30 to 4:30 and from 1:30 to 7:30. If the former measurement is greater than the latter, then the coin is out-of-round. If it's not out-of-round, it still may be post-strike damage. But the coin is in such lousy shape that complete certainty is probably unattainable.
Mike, I copied and pasted picture # 1 to my PC and measured the coin per your instructions and there appears to be no variation in the size and it appears that the coin is not out-of-round! I cannot see any flattening on the Reverse rim and considering the appearance of the Reverse rim and also inside the rim around "E PL" of E PLURIBUS UNUM as well as "IN" being visible in the peeled or damaged area on the Obverse, I believe that it is a type of lamination peel due to a severely flawed planchet. My thoughts is that the piece (lamination) began separating in the striking process and may have hung up on ejection of the coin thus separating the lamination peel. Definitely not an easy one to diagnose!
huntsman53, I’m most thankful for your kind and thorough help in clarifying the nature of this coin error. Of course, with coin in hand, all I needed was a plastic coin tube to satisfactorily test the coin’s roundness. After considering the responses, and reading a little on the subject, I concur completely with your initial reply (lamination-peel). A.J.
