Just saw this thread. This is a damaged cent. It is not a straight clip. If you look at the photo showing the edge you can see depressed metal on both the obverse and reverse sides. That is why there is extra metal on the edge of the clip. A straight clip on a coin is from the edge of the sheet that planchet are cut from. This leaves the center of the incomplete planchet flat with no grooves.
I sold CUTCO in the ‘90’s when I was in college, too. I still have my shears and they will still cut a penny with ease. My original demo set is still our primary cutlery today. It’s good stuff.
Yep. Looks like the right tool to create crescent-shaped ‘clips’. You forgot the ball peen hammer to honor Mr. Blakesley, though.
PMD. Side cutters of some type used to cut part of the coin off. Easy to duplicate, so try it and see for yourself. You'll see the sharp center edge from where the cutter "pinched" the metal.
When paddyman chimed in I knew there was your most experienced and valued answer, PMD. Sorry, better luck next time. Thanks for posting.
As someone stated looks like cut with nippers. Someone may have needed a small piece of metal for something. I've seen washers made out of coins. They work in a pinch if you need one.
