I have a 1961 Jefferson nickel that appears to show what looks like a stamped or printed smear around Jefferson's ear area under magnification. At first glance, it almost resembles a doubled ear or some type of mis-strike, but I'm still learning about mint errors and varieties. I'm aware 1961 nickels can exhibit machine doubling, die deterioration, die chips, and other mint-made anomalies, so I'm hoping for some opinions before jumping to conclusions. Based on the photos, does this appear to be: Machine doubling? A doubled die? A die chip or die break? Strike-related damage?
Can't tell from the photos what the dot in the "O" is, but it's probably a form of die deterioration. The circular impression is almost definitely damage, but there is a chance it's a strike through. Once again I can't tell for sure from the photos.
