Strike-through or defective planchet? I am going with a strike-through debris. Notice the rim is unaffected, which is why I believe it is not PMD.
Nevermind . . . figured it out for myself. Looks like it must have been a strike through something which, when the planchet was positioned in the collar, the material through which the coin was struck was pushed toward the interior by the collar. Your thoughts?
@JCro57 Hmm? If it was a strikethrough, it should have affected the upset rim as well because the rim is not part of the retaining collar. Right? Chris
If it were raised I would say it kinda looks like solder to me. Would also explain the luster that still seems to be present on the damaged area and I cannot imagine that a CUD would leave the small, flat fields(looking like the eyes of a mask here). But if you say it is incuse then it kinda looks like someone struck an arc on it. Does the Obverse have the same discoloration radiating around the area?
I kinda thought heat at first myself but I really am not sure about this one. The rim does look affected but the edge doesnt?? Maybe someone used a torch to break it out of the mint plastic and got a little too close lol. Again really though, not sure.
After more thought, I don't think any of the explanations that have been put forth thus far are correct, mine included. I'm stumped too. Would love to see the coin in person.
It looks like there may be a little heat tint, so maybe the holder was slightly melted like evan8 suggested. Might be worth trying some acetone or xylene to see if it softens. That's just my best guess and I wouldn't be surprised if I'm completely off base
