Lamination is certainly possible, perhaps even likely, but seeing better properly lit photos would be wise before making an absolute determination.
You stated earlier that you could make out lettering,it was hard to tell from the images but do they spell anything at all ? To be honest compared to the guy's/gals on here,i am a lifetime of knowledge behind,their opinion's are priceless.It is interesting to see the difference in opinions though.Good luck.
It looked like it when I put light on it from your suggestion it's indented from something it looks like a die press
There are so many good web sites that can help you with your 1961 D,I have listed below just 3 of many that is out there,other members on here may suggest others. I haven't put links on here before,so i hope i am not breaking any rules here. http://www.lincolncentresource.com http://www.varietyvista.com http://www.pcgs.com
I would call it lamination too. It appears to run in a strip across the whole coin. The spots above the date, do they look like pieces of metal were scooped off? Also, just to the left of the area you are asking about, does it look like the metal is flaking off there? Don't pick at it if it does. I have to tell myself NO every time lol. Like a kid with a scab.