Penny reverse error?

I have found fading like this on many, many Lincoln pennies, different years and different mints. They vary in severity but are always in this location. What causes this? Is this a mint error or just post mint damage?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

It is a common area of strike weakness because of the relief height of the lower obverse portrait. Could also be struck through grease/debris

 

As @expat says, strike weakness in this area. I'm not in the camp of struck thru grease in this area as it happens way too much in just this area on nearly every date.

 

It’s a common weakness due to the design.

 

Mostly just worn and old. But keep your eyes open. There’s nice coins to be found. Don’t forget coinstar

 

You know. I’ve said that to myself many of times I’ve Cent searched. Thanks.

 

Thanks all. If it is an error it is a very common error. I guess I let it pass unless a whole word is missing.

 

Wheat cents and early Memorial cents share the same weak spots on the reverse,
due to Abe's head and shoulder.