Error or PMD and why?

I had not considered a die clash on the reverse! My goal was really to show folks an example of a coin that at first glance looks beat up and PMD on the reverse, but by knowing how coins are minted and identifying the atypical features to learn about true errors and why some coins can look beat up but be mint state when most of the time folks just say PMD, worth only a cent spend it. This may not have a premium, but I think it is a great example to learn from.

 

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Just from your photos, I was ready to vote for a damaged planchet but then @CygnusCC put up the close-up photo showing damage on top of the device, so now I don't know.

 

That is weakness in the strike, It is the same as what you see in the steps. This is not a break of any kind.

 

Interesting, I see. I just figured the steps were post-mint damage, since it didn't look raised. It's actually hard to tell if either spot is raised from this angle.

 

The die was a little “past it,” it happens, they just touched it up some. It’s not a bad job, necessarily, in that these lines always show. If they’re raised, they’re presumptively just polish lines. You will often see other indications at the same time the die was failing to support the rationale.