Large Cent Been Taped?

Reminds me of a thumbed coin ,, basically cleaned by rubbing your thumb across the coin.

this also has a tendency to help hide imperfections in the coin like slight pitting ,,

regardless of what it is or how it was caused it has in effect cleaned a portion of the obverse.

when I first saw the post title I was thinking one of the old coin books with the card board strip accross the coin slot,, but this is way to wide IMO to have been the cause of this.

it is obvious that the coin at one time was a consistent chocolate color,, from the stars and the surrounding patina ,Recessed areas of the bust and the pits in the field all retain the original or aged patina.

Rick

I agree that the lines across are perfectly straight. Tape would leave a residue but, something has been perhaps holding the coin in place for quite some time. This has given the coin the "effect" of cleaning, like Metalman said, but it doesn't appear to have been cleaned...just stored improperly.

If I had a hole to fill I would purchase this coin unless you have other options available to find that year...slim chances I believe. It IS, however, a strong looking coin for it's age.