I was looking over some of the coins my mother saved probably 40 years ago. She and my father ran a Standard Oil Gas station for 14yrs. Every night when they would cash out at home, she would scan the days coinage that came in and she would try to fill those dark blue folding cardboard collecting jackets. Looking over some today I found an Indian Head penny that had some strange horizontal marks underneath the date. I haven't a clue what would have caused them but I'm sure someone here does. I took a couple of photos the best I could to show what I'm looking at. It doesn't look like post mint damage but what do I know about coins......... One photo is enhanced with a flash, the other isn't. Is this a flaw in the coin or die?? Greg
If the marks are raised that would indicate scratches in the die. If the marks are below the surface of the coin that would indicate post-Mint damage (e.g., scratches). I cannot tell from you photos whether the scratches are raised or not. Look at the scratches under magnification and rotate the coin so either the scratch casts a shadow (indicating a raised scratch) or a shadow is cast into the scratch (indicating a scratch in the coin).
Using my 10X loupe and turning the coin the lines are not into the surface but stick up. The bottom of the numeral "9" and "0" interrupt the top line. If it was post mint damage it seems like the line would cross the numerals. I'll work on a better photo. Greg
It may be some sort of Strike Thru Error or maybe Die Damage! A close-up of the area might help in determining what it is! Frank
This is the best I can do photo-wise. The photo pros here will chuckle at this technique. These pix are taken through a 25X pen scope. The cross lighting source is a small LED light I moved around at various angles. The ridges look raised to me ??? The case has been given to the jury and a verdict is forthcoming................ Greg
I have to admit that without the coin in hand, I have no way of determing what it is! From the appearance in and around the area, my best assessment is that it is old Post-Mint man-made damage. Frank
