My initial response: The OP’s response to my reply: My reply: I’ve been collecting coins for over 64 years. I’m not an expert but I’m telling you, it’s damaged and it didn’t happen until after it left the mint. The US Mint had nothing to do with the coin looking the way is currently looks. Any counter mark or counter stamp is considered damage to the coin, despite being collectible with the counter stamp.
So.. The final consensus and my verdict is.. It is definitely post mint damage. That altered surface did NOT occur during the minting of the Cent. NOT A MINT ERROR OF ANY KIND. You are welcome!