back in 1971, some kid got into his Dads garage and against his better judgement, used some Krylon red gloss to paint a few things inlcuding this penny which happened to be on the floor. When his dad got home, he painted the kids butt red too. Just a theory.
A 1925S I bought on flea bay arrived sticky. Varnish? Informed seller, he refunded and said keep it. Short bath in acetone and it looks like a nice AU 58. Kept most of the luster even under whatever. Is yours sticky?
I agree with the Nut. Reconditioned. My guess was that it was cleaned a while back and placed on a hot stove after being dipped in oil. I recall an experiment long ago with linseed oil on an old railroad tie I found detecting. The experiment expanded to other thing like coins.
LOL...my apologies. I was stuck waiting in the truck for my son to return from a meet so I was trying to kill time on the phone. The trouble I have is that scrolling while writing isn't advisable. And 'autocorrect'...don't get me started. I must have typed 'die' a dozen times tonight and it kept correcting it to 'did'. Sneaky!!!