1943 Steel Cent - New Variety or Just Grease Filled Die?

I'm considering getting this but I'm not sure if it's simply a grease filled die, or some other neat phenomenon. I see a darkened impression where the "4" is; but at the same time, the missing "4" digit seems nearly perfect with the device area flat and flush with the surrounding fields. Is it possible that the "4" digit was weak on the die or hub, and later reworked to make a stronger "4" numeral, with most of the struck ones removed and melted? Or, is it just PMD? And, is the "3" numeral doubled - MD or DDO?

Thanks in advance!

 

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I would say a grease filled digit, but what is that, that looks almost like a perfect 3 in the field above the date? That is very interesting.

 

Definitely a curious cent!

 

Does the middle look doubled?

 

I isolated what I think you're referring to and overlayed it on top of the "3".

It could be a random coincidental hit.

 

For some reason the 4 was a very common place for grease to build up on this coin. I have several and have seen quite a few others

 

A dropped digit perhaps

 

After enlarging the photo I am seeing pretty much the whole digit (plus the hit to the top of it)

 

And it by my eye looks to be the same style 3 as in type style .

 

I think I see what you're talking about.

The "3" is tilted counter-clockwise by 45 degrees.

 

They're cockeyed like that, it's just normal. It's a greased 4. Cool coin.

 

I've seen partially missing 4 via greased dies.

Do you know if a completely missing 4 is more-or-less common?

 

I've seen them like yours. These aren't like the "No D"/"Weak D" 1922-D cents. Nobody is going to pay extra for 10 or 20% more grease.

 

Thanks good to know.

 

It's not the 3 in the date we are seeing but a 3 in the field above the date. It's easier to see when enlarged. I don't really think it's a eye playing trick by looking too long at something, it really appears to be there. Why and how, I don't have a clue.

 

This is the 3 in the fields that's being referred to.

My trace isn't that good though lol.

 

Well, there's no resemblance to the long, thin, straight bottom curve of the 3 in the date....

 

? and the Mysterians.........96 Tears.

 

Good stuff!

 

Secret Handshake........