What happened to this cent

Iampoorman2

Ok, I'm pretty ignorant on all the different errors, so I'm asking for your thoughts on this one. I've attached a photo. If I angle the reverse towards the light, I can see the letters of the word "UNITED" in the depression. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Oh yea, almost forgot to add. It's flat and not bent where the slice or whatever happened to it.

lordmarcovan

<< <i>What happened to this cent(?) >>



At first I was gonna suggest a Santa Fe Super Chief, but on second glance I must say that's pretty interesting. I have a similar, though not identical piece. I'm afraid I'm pretty clueless on most error/variety topics, though.

dddangerousdan

<< <i>At first I was gonna suggest a Santa Fe Super Chief >>



Nope it was the Hooterville cannonball

DAN

nwcs

It's likely that something rolled up on it. That is, a post-mintage alteration.

dorkkarl

definitely post-mint damage

K S

Iampoorman2

What makes you think or know that it's post mintage?

bohica268

Damage was done after the coin was struck would be a better way of saying it. The wheat ear on the left is still there indicating damage happened after strike. Unless there was a die break that matched a deformed planchet.

Petescorner

I believe the damage was done after the coin was minted based on the way the rim looks on the stretched out part. It's obvious that the rim was complete when the coin was struck. Therefore, the damage had to have occured after that. I'm thinking along the train lines, myself.

Tootawl

Maybe it's the same train from TwoDogs neighborhood?

windwhispersintrees

It appears a complete & normal cent has been struck with a cold chisel or axe against a hard surface.

As others have noted, a portion of the wheat ear design remains and has been pushed off to the left and away from the rest of ear.
Also, note the grooves on each side of the "valley", likely from some sort of blade edge cutting into the metal.