I already know that everybody will say this is PMD, that contact with something reformed the “S” mint mark. However it certainly appears to me that this wheat penny has a 5 for the mintmark.
However.. The S mint mark took a hit There is No reason for the US Mint to replace a letter S Mint Mark for a numeral 5.. There would of been thousands struck just like it and I'm sure it would of been known by now.
I think somebody needs to put a little more time into studying the minting and die making process if they are going to continue to search for errors. You've been a member for awhile. Is this a serious question or did you just forget the smiley face emoji?
Oh the tricks that our mind plays with us. Yes, you are correct as it took a hit and damaged it. You are also correct that it looks like a 5. You offered no explanation as to how that would have occurred during the minting process and believe me, I don't have one either. It couldn't happen. If it did, there would be more than 1 found and after 85 years they would have come to light a long time ago.
I believe the poster well knows the answer and was just sharing with us. My questions is what would the MM 5 mean? LOL
kindly reread my post. I acknowledged it was doubtlessly damaged but nonetheless still looks like a 5. Please do not patronize me.