Hello, I was sorting a bag of wheat cents and came across this. Initial thought was great another coin someone defaced or carved their initials on with a screwdriver. In looking closer, I note that in the areas of the removed materials (call them valleys), the surface mint impression was still visible (though less clear) at the bottom of the valleys. It is most clearly visible for the 'E' and 'N' on the back of the coin - you can still see the letters. I don'y know how this would happen if someone was defacing the coin with a screwdriver or chisel, which seem like the more likely culprits if this is env damage. Any thoughts or suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.
Can't be sure without seeing the entire coins surface but it could be the strangest looking lamination I've ever seen. Can you please post full size photos of both sides? Thanks. Welcome to CT.
Looks like an even layer of "decay" almost what a strong acid of sorts would do. The devices and the surfaces that may have come into contact all seem consistently worn/decayed/eaten away or whatever.Then over decades the copper aged back evenly. I have no idea, just a guess.
