1987-P Afflicted Lincoln Cent

This was caused by a very worn out die. Very common during the 1980's. I see this happen all the time.

So all the field marks are from die polishing?

Think it would be easier to say what ISN'T going on with this cent, PIDT. Don't see any evidence of it. The obverse is a ESVLDS, new term, hot off the press for"Extra Super Very Late Die State...there, that explains it all! Yes, is very much a die flow ring and the cross hatch patter is file marks, why so deep. I wonder if there wasn't a massive problem they were trying to repair like a feeder finger being caught in the downstroke. Would have caused very deep blemishes to be filed away. See that too on the reverse inside the bays. Can't exactly tell if there's a clash there or not, could be, but that face has been filed too. Is unusual for both to show unless both were damaged. Another possibility is a die cap came off. Die caps will cause very deep damage to the host die. A lot going on, might zip Mike Diamond a question on it.

I think we need to save Mike for more important coins. There seems to be a consensus for a worn die. I'm good with that. I appreciate ya'll's input.