very interesting, I cannot guess if it is post mint or a plating error, I'm sure someone here will know
I was going to say plating error but looks too much like someone dipped it in some kind of chemical. who knows , i'm not an expert
It does appear to be dipped. Looking at the reverse the discoloration runs down the left side of the memorial. Just my opinion. Rhubarb
It could be a genuine example of a cent struck on a partly plated planchet. However, two observations give me pause. One is the possible presence of the "unplated" area running down the side of the Memorial. More worrisome is the unplated patch on the rim above IN. It doesn't look natural. Nevertheless, given the less than optimal photos, I really can't say.
Mike has a valid point. It is hard to determine. On the obverse thee are two corcular lines running from the 2 oclock position to the 10 oclock position. It does make me wonder if it is a plating problem. Also one must remember that when the coins are struck that excess pressure will expose the Zinc. This is a very interesting coin. Rhubarb
My doubts have been erased. It is a genuine example of incomplete plating. The exposure of the zinc core along the sides of the columns of the Memorial is typical splitting of the copper plating, something commonly found on ordinary zinc cents.
Nice Pictures. It's not dipped. I would say it's a bad mixture of metals due to the Post Mint nick above the IN. There is something different about this coin. Rhubarb
to me it looks like salt damage - salt is murder on zinc pennies - being in Syracuse where it snows lot - i see some cents like this with a ring - but most just get pitted its looks like another cent lying next to it - maybe on someone floors mat in a car ?? once the salt gets in the car floor area - it never seems to go away Snowman
The problem I have with it being an unplated planchet error is what crescent shaped object was stuck to it to keep that area from being plated? A major incomplete planchet?
Unplated areas often assume unusual patterns. I've even seen a few bullseye patterns. I don't have an explanation. But they're genuine.
