Missing Link? One Unusual 1974 Lincoln Cent Error!

Clad cents started in 1982.

 

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I agree with those that said dried glue on the coin because that is exactly what it is. On the edge of the coin where the shiny brass spots are is where this area was protected by the glue . Someone or something has removed some of the glue and the bright spots are showing where the metal was protected by the glue.

 

Ok, I believe you've convinced me. I was being "faked out" by the area near the rim and the color deviation created by the glue. It looks like metal damage to the naked eye and even under a glass. But everything else points to glue. I got out a fine tip toothpick and gently traced the features of this coin and a same era coin and the edges of everything are soft as compared to a clean coin. I'll certainly refine my investigative techniques. Sorry, lesson learned!

 

The glue protected the copper surface from the atmosphere which preserves the original color. The verdigris forms at the edge of the glue due to the chemical interactions of the adhesive, the coin, and the atmosphere. The rest of the cent is oxidized brown as normal.

Z