Odd Scratch Mark On 96 Penny

If it is raised through LIBERTY, it may have been a small scratch that pierced the plating and started the zinc rot. If it is not raised then it is a stronger scratch if may be what Rackster mentioned. Above the letters were caused by the strike. The "Y" is PSD. No premium for these.

There two types of cuts into the surface. One that exposed the zinc (strong) and one that does not show the zinc but does pierce the plating.

Your coin was probably like the lower line. When air does reach the zinc it starts raising and deteriorates:

It is a process that continues to get worse with time.

Copper plating doesn't need to dry, as it is metal transferred by an electrical process. When the coins are removed they need to dry from the bath there were in. But the finish it all ready complete. (not wet as in the case of painting)

With the metal striations, it does look to be cut at sometime during its life. The blade looks tapered where it stopped at the bottom the the cut. No value for it, but when you and others who read this thread will remember what it is.