1880-O Help Identifying, Well, Something?

Hi All,

Looking for a little help figuring out a surface mark on an 1880-O. (Hoping I'm posting this in the right place)...

At first, I immediately thought PMD. But upon closer inspection, I'm not sold on PMD now. The photos I've taken are not the best in the world, and I had to shrink them to be able to get them under the max. KB...

Naked eye screams, "PMD!"... Loupe says something else. Note the mark does not impede on the lower left foot of the M in Unum (does not damage, and M is untouched by the mark, yet mark continue); and stops flush at the U.

It doesn't seem to have any directional method, if you will, like a 'normal' scratch/scuff. And I've ruled out verdigris removal, due to it being so large. The pits are incuse, almost like flawed metal. And there is no other evidence of PVC/verdigris on the coin.

Anyway, hoping someone may be able to help me draw a conclusion on this one; have seen it before; or help point me in another direction as to whether this is PMD or an error/flaw.

As always, much appreciated.

(Photos were taken at different angles and and lighting).













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