1839 RE Half: Planchet Flaw, Die damage, or just plain damage?

TommyType

What's wrong with this coin? (Besides the fact that it's been cleaned.)

This is from my "First Type Set", and I've always wondered what caused the line below the date. There appears to be one major line, with some lighter lines parallel to it. They seem to have obsured the bottom of the "1". There is no rim damage, however the line seems to end slightly into the denticles at each end. There are no similar marks on the reverse. It appears to me to be "as struck", but I'm really not sure....maybe some post mint damage caused it.

Any ideas?

kryptonitecomics

It looks like the line is etched into the surface which rules out my first idea of a die clash. My guess is post mint, but it is odd how part of the date is missing right where the line goes through???

TommyType

Yeah, I just don't know what to make of it. I thought planchet flaw, but it doesn't seem to be any thinner in that area, which might explain the weak date.

Then I thought die damage, which might explain the date, but wouldn't explain why the line was incuse.

Post mint damage would seem less well behaved, and not necessarily stopping before hitting the rim.

The fact that it's well worn and cleaned may just be hiding the smoking gun......

JadeRareCoin

Hard to tell from an image, but I would go with planchet lamination on your coin. Looks like prior to striking, imho.