1982 Cent, Obverse Flaw? Or Just Damage?

A couple of remarks at this juncture.

First of all, for the weight to be what it is, the metal that normally would have filled that chasm across the obverse would've had to have been almost entirely displaced rather than removed.

Second, and I hadn't noticed this until I generated the close ups, I think I can see a ghostly trace of Abe's bearded chin in that recessed area. I can also make out a faint "S" and "T" where they ought to be to complete the word "TRUST".

Even though I'd imagine it'd take a tremendous amount of pressure to generate such a depressed area on the obverse, could this be some sort of "vise job"?

I agree with those who've concluded that this is post-strike damage. In addition to the points raised earlier, notice how the design rim is flattened at 1:30.

From top to bottom & side to side I get measurements of 19.0 mm, while measuring from one end of the depressed area to the other, as well as perpendicular to it, I come up with 19.1 mm. It does go into a direct fit air-tite.



Then this would seem to be a case of somebody trying to create an "error" coin.