Error or damage on this North Carolina quarter??

buffnut

This one is weird. I got this quarter in change at the gas station. At first I thought it was your typical "shot" or "punched" coin as we all have seen before. But this one is a little different. On the reverse is a typical divot where it appears someone hammered the coin once real good with an awl or something. However on the corresponding bubble on the obverse, there appears to be lettering, and an indication of a rim. To what I can make out, the letters look like a "T" and then an "H". This would correspond with Nor"TH" Carolina, which is the reverse of another coin, or the reverse die. I just don't see how this would or could be done at the mint. Very puzzling- any opinions?

DesertRat

Either a BB or pellet gun shot is what i would say. Given the symmetry of the ding I'd have to say most likely a BB.

buffnut

But what would explain the lettering on the obverse bulge?

Tootawl

I'd vote damage. The DD theory sounds right.

DesertRat

But what would explain the lettering on the obverse bulge?

Most plausible answer I can come up with is that the coin was on top of another coin when the impact occured it acted almost in a manner like a die and transferred the image from the coin under it. Especially since the lettering or whatever is indented into the coin.

buffnut

So someone shot a BB at this coin while it was pressed up against another quarter so firmly, that it impressed letters onto the resulting bulge on the obverse? That's why this one is puzzling

JRocco

The Desert Rat is 100% right

FrankHKP7

Try to measure the diameter of the divot at it's widest point with a pair of calipers. If it's close to .17 inches it's a BB. If it was a BB I hope no one lost an eye!!!