I have found this Indian head that appears to have a bad planchet. The line on the rim, the M and the A all seem to have been struck into an error. Could be damage?
You can tell that it was damaged after it left the Mint by the fact that the reverse has been damaged (mashed) in the same position. Chris
Yes, that is strange. Then again, the entire right side of the "A" has been completely obliterated. Chris
Damaged by heat +1. The area around "AME" could be a bursted bubble due to heat damage. Just my thoughts.
Here is a couple more pictures at different angles. The A is still fully there but is imprinted in the concave of this dent. You can also still see raised definition on the M.
Still damage. The minting and die making processes are documented and well understood. As others have said, a coin like this could not have occurred at the mint