It is die deterioration doubling as the die has spread through use, that is why the LIBERTY is so close to the rim. Since it wasn't doubled by the mint before producing coins, it is considered machine doubling. Jim
I think the case has been made that it’s both. Jim’s comment regarding the migration of the devices is a useful tip! By looking just at the date, we can see evidence of MD (shelflike appearance). We also se there is ghosting around the outer edges of the devices, part of the device migration and die wash in the normally sharper crevices where the devices meet the field.
