Ive been collecting for about 15 years now and this "i" over top of the n is the first find that i cant find anywhere on the net. Also the mint mark is completely filled, theres a chip in the opening of the Y and there is a chip on the back as well as a small part of the wing that is missing.
Maybe... it's difficult to tell from the image. However I can't come up with anything that would disfigure the lettering to that degree without being visible even in low rez.
The I is slanted because it took a hit. Just damage. I can't tell you anything about the Y or the wing because you didn't post pictures of them.
That is the most logical answer considering that any minting issue would likely cause a progressive continuation of degradation. It just irks me to not be able to see the evidence of the "hit" and not just the result. I guess I'm to optimistic of the chances of a one off in hopes of seeing something new...
You really can't find information on this kind of damage. But over the years there have been several threads here on Cointalk with similar questions. Here is a Cent with the same issue - https://www.cointalk.com/threads/date-error-on-1941-penny.294166/#post-2702156 Coin Wrapper Crimping machines can cause slanted letters and numerals
Ive looked under magnification and i can not see any evidence of a hit or i wouldnt of posted.. The chips are common, hence no pictures
It's the only way it could happen. That did not happen at the Mint. I have seen many of that type of damage in my 31 years of collecting and attributing true Mint Errors. You won't find anyone that will tell you it is an error.
I believe, never seen it myself like this. Also forgot to mention the letter actually grows smaller as it gets onto the N more which is interesting enough to keep with the couple true mint errors
It is the result of displacement. Any evidence would of been worn away due to circulation.. It's a spender buddy.