1941 Lincoln Wheat Cent Slanted 1 In Date

Interesting looking coin, I think it is post-mint damage. It looks like it might have been "pushed " to that orientation by something. I see something to the rim side of the 1 that looks like a depression where something hit it and pushed it to the side, the deep scratches in the same general direction on the face and the multiple small deep gouges on the reverse lead me to believe it has been smashed on something and sheered to the side. Just my opinion, I am sure the experts will be along to confirm or deny.

Pretty cool looking, and not that much damage to the rest of the coin- even if it is post mint, I would keep it !

Hi,

Coincidentally, I recently got an email about one of these. I agree completely that it is post mint damage and that a counting machine did the deed. We see 1940 cents with the 0 destroyed sometimes leading to a question about a coin being a 1941 over 1940 date. Of course, it is not and is also a result of the same type of damage.

The rest of the damage can still be seen on the 1941 cent even though much of it has worn away. If you look at the lower portion of the bust, you can see light lines that when connected would be circular. They line up with the 1 in the date.

Thanks,
Bill