Was this done during minting? I wonder because of all the stretch marks i see on the coin for example above the e and w of we towards the rim. There is a crisscross pattern on the coin in areas also and the photo of the 017 shows part of it, and in that photo it shows that there may be peeling of the surface. The picture of the s and t show some of the stretching to the left. Stretch marks on reverse also above erica.
Your missing "L" is most likely from a "Debris Filled Die" or what most call a Grease filled die. As for the line or stretch marks, most of those are Die Line from when the die face is cleaned off with an abrasive. And some can form from the movement of metal, called Striation Lines. Metal flaking off would not surprise me as these coins are plated.
I see alot of the striation lines on coins and alot of grease filled dies also. I wasnt sure about this coin though. And i havent heard of iberty before, but ive been watching for it.
The L appears missing due to a coin rolling machine. The roll was probably moved so only the 6 O'clock to 9 O'clock was damaged. When the photos are enlarged, it becomes easier to see that the "line" has wiped out the L, IMHO.
