Any insight on what appears to be a chopmark on this large cent? I see other evidence of damage on the reverse, but the obnvers seems to be a distinct chop/stamp. Thanks
I would say that some form of impact made the square dent in the obverse, It matches the dent on the reverse. Chopmark, i can't say as I see no readable design inside the obverse square. With the two boreholes on the reverse I would guess it is all just PMD.
It appears to me the hole goes all the way through, although now filled with debris. Years ago it was thought to be "good luck" to nail such things to doorposts or other objects. It appears to me someone used an old-fashioned square-headed nail to do just that. The copper around the hole on the back is coming out rather than in, as if pushed through by that nail. This theory could not be correct if the corrosion in the punch on the obverse does not hide a hole.
I think the impression on the obverse was some kind of square punch. You can see the reverse impression at 7 o clock. There’s another partial hole likely drilled part way through on the reverse that doesn’t come through. Not a chopmark but definitely interesting
