It could be 1986.. It doesn't really matter. It's just a Nickel that's damaged. For a real mint error if the last digit were unreadable a third party grader would describe it as 198X Such as this example from my collection Notice that it has another error called a TPG Mechanical Error The label states Unioface instead of Uniface
My apologies. I was trying to say the coin is damaged, but say it in a funny way. When a third party grading service grades a damaged coin they will usually give you a grade but mark it as "Details, damage" or some such. I would not expect this coin to be submitted, since that would be expensive and even if not damaged this coin would only be worth five cents. This one is clearly damaged badly.
I can clearly make out the 19_9.... If what you are saying is fact, the only other year it can be is 1969...the missing number is rounded and closed..like 6 or 8
