I'm guessing it is a grease filled die because you can see a very faint L almost in the rim. There is also a line beside the I.
Sheila, try taking photos with the light in different positions. This photo looks like the light is to the west. Maybe you can get a better image by moving the light. Chris
I suspect this is a slightly off center strike, the rim most likely gobbled up the "L" I photo of the whole obverse & reverse, straight down on the coin may help us determine.
could be grease filled or die deterioration or combo of both, notice that "hump" next to the rim where the "L" should be, thats a sure sign of die deterioration,,
It has slipped my mind what this commonly seen effect is called. Note the "ridge" through "In G". I believe it was explained in Collectors Clearinghouse a while back. That's the reason the "L" is virtually gone. Did you receive the info I sent to you?
Yes and possibly grease filled but more likely Die Deterioration. That's the line running up the side into "IN GOD". Sorry to say but common.