An Unusual PCGS graded 1955-S Lincoln Cent

braddick

I purchased this cent because I liked the obverse toning.

Upon further examination I see an unusual strike-through on the reverse. At least, that is what I am calling it until another more seasoned collector schools me as to what it really is.

The left wheat stalk has an indent running right down the center of it into the rim.

A little closer:

Here is a close-up of that indent running into the rim:

I am a bit surprised PCGS didn't note the 'damage' as I am pretty sure the original submitter did not pay for the error service and designation.

I'd love the read your thoughts.

MsMorrisine

can't miss it. seems like if it were damage it would be in a details holder

ELVIS1

Looks Struck thru to me.

1Mike1

Cracked planchet?

JBK

Incomplete clip?

CaptHenway

@JBK said:
Incomplete clip?

My first thought.

coinkat

Quite the conversation piece- I like it. Well played.

7Jaguars

Also looks to be remnants of wheat stock on the left side. Was this a partial flipover double strike??

seanq

@CaptHenway said:

@JBK said:
Incomplete clip?

My first thought.

This crossed my mind but I will say no. I have several examples and there should be some design fade on the edge of the arc. Also the incuse line will have a sharper surface, think of pushing a wedge with a sharp point into a surface versus something round. Finally, there should be a matching arc on the obverse, especially for a mark that is that deep.

I am absolutely shocked that our host would holder that, even if it is as struck. I just sold a Lincoln that PCGS refused to certify because of a very minor reverse strike-thru.

Sean Reynolds

CaptHenway

@JBK said:
Incomplete clip?

My first thought.> @seanq said:

@CaptHenway said:

@JBK said:
Incomplete clip?

My first thought.

This crossed my mind but I will say no. I have several examples and there should be some design fade on the edge of the arc. Also the incuse line will have a sharper surface, think of pushing a wedge with a sharp point into a surface versus something round. Finally, there should be a matching arc on the obverse, especially for a mark that is that deep.

I am absolutely shocked that our host would holder that, even if it is as struck. I just sold a Lincoln that PCGS refused to certify because of a very minor reverse strike-thru.

Sean Reynolds

I do wonder where the other end of the arc is. Wish I could see the end of the arc hidden under the prong.

Rc5280

Great pics, thanks.

It has some characteristics/texture of a string/strand ?

ELVIS1

Is it a lamination error?

leothelyon

The reverse rim takes a step down 360 degrees. PMD? Looks too perfect, no damage to the obverse. Although there is a rim ding or damage on the reverse at 2 o'clock. Had this since I was 10, almost 60 years.

Leo

jonathanb

@ELVIS1 said:
Is it a lamination error?

Likely, but the picture (and lack of a reverse picture) don't help give a definite answer.

jonathanb

@leothelyon said:
The reverse rim takes a step down 360 degrees. PMD? Looks too perfect, no damage to the obverse. Although there is a rim ding or damage on the reverse at 2 o'clock. Had this since I was 10, almost 60 years.

Removed from an encased cent (aluminum ring). Very typical appearance.

leothelyon

@jonathanb said:

@leothelyon said:
The reverse rim takes a step down 360 degrees. PMD? Looks too perfect, no damage to the obverse. Although there is a rim ding or damage on the reverse at 2 o'clock. Had this since I was 10, almost 60 years.

Removed from an encased cent (aluminum ring). Very typical appearance.

Copper is soft in nature. Also have a 1909-S where it's more obvious it was encased in a jewelry holder. Not going to take pictures but has a several pin points impressed on one side. But on the coin I posted, that would have been really clamped down into some kind of holder to get that kind of imprint all the way around.

Leo

jonathanb

@leothelyon said:

@jonathanb said:

@leothelyon said:
The reverse rim takes a step down 360 degrees. PMD? Looks too perfect, no damage to the obverse. Although there is a rim ding or damage on the reverse at 2 o'clock. Had this since I was 10, almost 60 years.

Removed from an encased cent (aluminum ring). Very typical appearance.

Copper is soft in nature. Also have a 1909-S where it's more obvious it was encased in a jewelry holder. Not going to take pictures but has a several pin points impressed on one side. But on the coin I posted, that would have been really clamped down into some kind of holder to get that kind of imprint all the way around.

Yep. Encased cents are really clamped down solidly.

If you don't like that answer, get some cheap encased cents (plenty to go around), take a bolt cutter to the aluminum ring, and see what's left.

leothelyon

Like as Elvis said, that long mark on the Op's coin looks like some severe lamination going on. I have a half dozen Jeff's with metal flaking lamination but not that severe.

Leo