It is die wear. Die wear always is the strongest on devices that face the rim. During striking the pressure is stronger in that direction wearing part of the devices between the field and the device. When many coins are made, the wear just gets worse with continued use. So it is noticed on the outside devices that face the rim. The 1955/5 poor man's (So Called)doubled die show this direction of wear. We have seen many Zincoln's with this on the date and mint mark in this direction toward the rim. Hope this helps.
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