Error or weird set of scratches?

I came across this 1968 penny, attached is a picture of the tail side, notice that near the center of the stairs there are a set of four spikes that shouldn't be there. Is this a manufacturing error or just something that may have happened during its life time of 42 years?... Any insight on this would be appreciated.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

It's been hit or mashed with another object post mint.

 

Sounds pretty accurate to me. Thanks for your input.

 

post mint damage