1974 D Lincoln Half Cent Or Defect?

*** Edited by Staff to Add Year / Mintmark to Title. It's essential to have it in the title. ***


I was sorting some LMC and came across these two "halves". At first I thought it was the results of someone being creative with a cutting device but after further consideration, I began to think there maybe more to this. Both of the pictured pieces appear to be from the same coin. When placed together and rotated slightly, it's as if they "fall into place" and create a whole cent. Just wondering if this is might be a defect or the result of some other trauma this poor penny has endured. Also, the images are not the best but the date is all but gone. Best I can make out is a 1974-D. Thanks