I have had this pretty penny for a long time. The S always looked filled to me. Anyway, I took a closer look today. Die deterioration or something more fun? I dont see anything on varietyvista that looks like this, so I dont have high hopes.
There is a 1943-S DDO variety. It is FS-101 in Cherrypicker's Guide. I will throw up some images of an authentic one:
On 1943 cents, always confirm first that the edges are dull steel grey or rusty to eliminate the possibility of re-plating of the zinc by 3rd party which often produces a doubled effect on the devices of the coin such as date, mm, etc. It is so common. You probably know this , but for readers, the planchets were punched from preplated steel, and no mint plating after punching so the edge should show the steel. Replating by 3rd party does all surfaces including edges. Jim
Nope, I didnt know. I have no memory of when this was acquired. I think maybe 35 years ago. I just stuck this in the album a few days ago which is why I was looking at it. Pulled it out and the edge is extremely shiny. And now that you mention it, the color does seem peculiar. This it it compared to a nice slabbed one I have: Thanks for the info.
That's been replated. The original one you showed may have a die chip but coin is too worn to really tell from photos. It was also struck from a worn die.