No! It is post-mint damage. I think you will see that the "N" of CENT on the reverse is slightly mashed as the result of the obverse damage. Chris
Hmmm, it does look like something is going on down there on and below the date. Some type of die crack or lamination. Wait a minute, maybe even a retained cud? Yes, it looks like a hit Chris is talking about in the middle of the coin both Obv. and Rev.
I checked overlays on the Indian head cent. Google coin overlays. Then coinauctionshelp.com Small cent overlays.
The anomaly at the date and denticals below is a lamination. A hit here would have obscured the denticals where a lamination would reveal a latent image. The spot above the date and at the base of the bust appears to be a hit. The ear has taken a hit that tranfered to the reverse and could have jumpstarted the laminated area above.
Yes, I do see something there but I did not want to offer an opinion as I just don't know for sure what it is. Better playing it safe than opening a can of worms on myself when I'm not sure.