I have been searching nickels, with no luck, so I thought I would try a box of pennies. Found this 1990 that really looks odd. Above the two T's, E and S on the reverse is clearly the top of the same letter again (there is some blue green corrosion between the complete letter and the partial). There is a clear die crack above the UNITED and the e and d are doubled. I have no idea what to say about the ridge from 11 oclock to 6 oclock on the reverse, but it really makes the MER in America really look odd. The finish under part of United and State is very shiny and very different from the finish on the rest of the coin. Anyway, I have never seen anything like this....anyone have any ideas?
Split plating doubling, the striking force of the die split the copper plating and exposed the underlying zinc. That is part of the reason why so many Zincolns rot away- the zinc is already exposed before the coin even leaves the Mint. The ridge is a type of die wear typically found on cents.
I agree! Split plating is common and I ALWAYS do a double take thinking I got a doubled die then see that little peek of zinc. Someday I will find the real thing but these will drive us all crazy in the meantime.
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