It looks like machine doubling on the obverse (flat and shelf-like) and all I see on the reverse is a partially grease-filled die. Chris
so that's what that is on reverse upper side, grease? I have a lot of those different years and only on cents in that same area...
Grease builds up in the low spots and that's the low spot. I've seen so many I don't look at them any more. The obverse is MD.
I’m not sure the problem is all grease-filled die. When you look at an overlay of the Lincoln Memorial Cent note the area on the reverse, “TES of” is opposite the thick area of the coat on the obverse. I think because of the thickness of the coat there is insufficient metal to fill the letters in this area or create an area for a grease build up.
Also, The doubling in the pillers is a doubled die, the problem is nearly every single memorial cent ever made has that, correct me if I'm wrong but I think that kind of doubling is known as hub doubling.
There's hundred's that I've seen, rolls and rolls of the same date all different levels of faded lettering, all in the same place. It's grease buildup. I know of no other explanation for this.
I must admit, I am not an expert on die varieties. This is why I say the doubling looks interesting regardless of what caused it. Others can explain it better than me.
Except for the real reason, which you quoted. Contemplate metal flow during the strike. I'm thinking the speed setting on the press, and to an extent pressure, would have an effect on this phenomenon, so it wouldn't be universal, but common.
why dont we try to figure it out! there has to be a reason but what? lets start with a coin that has what we call grease. Dose anyone know what kind of grease or anyone have any kind of information on the texture, color or thickness of the grease? after answer i have other questions, but we will do one at a time....
what is this that you speak of. its the first time i heard of this. it cant be both right? please explain.
ok lets try how is it for the grease to go into the lower part when strike? if correct dose the press not strike about up to 10,000 per hour? if that is correct, how dose the grease have time to run down into the lower part which is in the same area on a cent? NOTE: I have and you may also notice on the 1969's, on the near top of the memorial even where the FG is located and to be specific only the FG that's right next to the memorial, right hand lower side where it seems to be not missing or not covered in grease but complete. NOTICE: for example my coin in this topic the grease is nowhere near those areas.
now that i am looking for these reverse side cents, i have notice some are almost like the 1969's(that i mentioned, but not as bad as you can still see thr FG and the line at the top of building). Why? has anyone seen a 1969 with any of the letters that filled with grease?