2 Questions About A 2000 Wide AM Lincoln Cent.

Split plating issues and some unknown staining.

nice Wide AM, good find

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it. What causes the split plating like that?

I feel it is caused by Machine Doubling during/after the strike. This exposes the zinc and ruins any value for the coin as it is already zinc rotting its life away. If buying a variety coin, make sure there is not split plating as it will go down hill in your collection as it ages.

Note the "Plating movement" on the image comment? That was what it was called then. Knowledge came to me too late for purchasing coins with this issue. (Now you know)

The puckered lips is part of the design. This particular obverse was used for only the year 2000.

Great 2000 WAM find!
I have often wondered why zinc cents typically display more amounts of split plating on the reverse letters between them, and the rim, more so than on the obverse. Split plating is usually, more often than not, seen on the reverse above
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA in my observations. I have also seen it on the obverse but not as often as the reverse as described (strictly speaking about modern zinc LMC's). So... I propose this theory and this is nothing I have ever read or come across. I may be completely off base but here it goes............
As we know, zinc core cents are coated with a thin layer of copper and the striking process obviously exhibits a tremendous amount of pressure on the planchet. The reverse devices/letters, namely UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, are much more closely spaced (and more of them meaning letters) and seem to be positioned closer to the rim than those letters on the obverse. As a result, the extensive pressure created during the strike to form the raised rim and also the letters on the reverse, closest to the rim, create metal fatigue. This process further thins or spreads the already thin copper coating of the planchet in this area. As a result, I believe this leads to the exposure of the zinc core thus leading to split plating above the letters and between the rim. I'm absolutely no expert but this is just my humble opinion. There's a lot more going on in my head about this topic but I tried to keep it as simple as possible.
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Well that seems to make sense to me and your theory was very well explained thank you.
You never have to worry about too much explanation with me because the more the merrier.
I have been told before that if it doesn't make sense it's usually not true and your explanation makes complete sense to me.
I thank you all very much for your assistance on this. It is something I've been wondering for a while and just never asked about it until now.
I like to learn and I enjoy it when people are willing to teach. Even if we are not 100% positive on this subject I'm about 99% sure that's the correct answer to this mind numbing issue.