Hi @R_rabbit ! I am not one of the experts but I think it may be split plating around the legend and memorial on the reverse and the mint mark on the obverse. The experts will be able to give you a more definitive opinion.
Gee, @R_rabbit - Now that you ask, I am not sure exactly what to call it (if it IS split plating). I went to read to find out but the two articles here do not say clearly what it is except that the topic is covered under "errors." Whether something is an error or a variety is still confusing me a bit, I must admit. okay - i'm going with error http://www.lincolncentresource.com/FAQ/errors_vs_varieties.html You can read until the experts show up. And I will be glad to have a definitive answer to that question along with you. https://errorvariety.com/OFD/PSD.html http://www.error-ref.com/split-peeling-plating/
I'm not an expert on error coins but my first thought was that is looked like Die Deterioration Doubling (DDD). As @LaCointessa pointed out, http://www.error-ref.com/split-plate-doubling/ is a great site to check out as well as www.com.doubleddie.com. Always wait for more experienced members to give their opinions.
Thank you for that bit of information it was very interesting read. It’s nice how they “split the difference “ . Yet I still see a double date if you zoom in close. Also does split plating occur on both sides of a letter? The Last A in America looks like a small a on top of a large A.
Two experts on error coins are @paddyman98 and Fred Weinberg. Contact them. There's probably others but I can't think of them right now. (You can Google Fred Weinberg to contact him).
I'm not an expert but from what I've learned on this site, what you have there has several common names : Mechanical Doubling, usually caused by malfunctioning equipment; Strike doubling, usually caused by an extra strike or movement of either the striking die or the planchet; or Die Deterioration Doubling, caused by the die wearing out and spreading out the metal when the planchet is struck. However, they all have one name in common : Worthless Doubling. These types of doubling are so common that they carry no premium or increased value whatsoever. However, for new collectors, they're fun to look at and share with your friends in something we call Show and Tell. Show your friends and tell them about it, and you can impress them all with your new found numismatic knowledge. For serious research into this phenomenon, check this site. There are also other sites that are good. On this one choose the topic "Worthless Doubling" from the list on the upper left. Wexler's Coins and Die Varieties
