@bamasoe, First, thank you for the additional photos. They are helpful, and may rule out some of the possibilities.
Regarding the more northwesterly crease (from Liberty to Trust), I'm with @coop on this looking like it is struck through. Whatever the object, it was a pretty decent size to leave a mark like that. The coin is definitely a keeper for that. The lack of damage to the edge and reverse seem consistent with a struck through error.
Regarding the more southeasterly arc, I originally thought it was
PMD, but now I'm not so sure. My first impression was that the lower arc cut across or through the angular shape below the "S" of Trust. Your photo flips that impression. The angular shape appears to be
PMD, and appears to ride on top of the arc. I enhanced your photo, and here's the critical area:
What appeared somewhat angular in the more distant shot actually is a series of gouges from contact. The gouges are on both sides of the arc, and
appear to cross its surface. If that read is correct, the arc preceded the
PMD.
The mystery deepens where the arc crosses "Liberty." Here is an enhanced closeup of your shot of the "RT" of "Liberty."
Unless I'm mistaken, the arc passes directly beneath the angled right leg of the "R" but does not appear to damage that part of the "R." There is a contact ding on the curve of the "R" but that appears to be far too minimal to be from any post-mint
impact capable of inflicting the arc on the coin. The discoloration also doesn't seem to affect the letters "R" or "T" either.
I confess, I have no clear idea what caused the more southeasterly arc. There could be a variety of post-mint causes (non-impact contact with something that corroded the surface is one), but I just don't see it as being caused by impact of something with the surface of the coin. If it were the result of impact, I would expect to see the "RT" of Liberty sustain much more damage and would expect to see evident damage on the reverse.
You have quite the mystery coin there.
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Posted 05/01/2018 1:47 pm
