Is this large cent a lamination... or struck through a capped die?

tincup · November 30, 2013 7:55AM

My most recent curiosity... an undated large cent with an odd reverse, with a circular 'crack' around most of the rim. But would not seem to be a die crack, since the die does not contact this portion of the rim. Next thought is the coin was struck on a layered planchet, the outer thinner layer is what is causing the circular oddity. However, if it was a layered planchet, it would seem that the rims would be covered with the layer also....? Perhaps the wear on the coin could have worn off the layers on the rim, though that just doesn't quite seem to fit. My third though is perhaps the coin was struck through a very late stage capped die, with the thin layer being imbedded into the planchet; the rim areas were pushed or trimmed off in the process. Close inspection does seem to show the circular inner portion of the coin seems to be struck in...

The 'T' in CENT looks kind of weird; this is from the metal starting to flake off. The wreath also has some areas where the metal has come out, such as below the 'C' in CENT.

What say you?

CaptHenway · November 30, 2013 10:16AM

Looks like a lamination to me.

Shamika · November 30, 2013 12:41PM

Looks like a DE-laminating planchet.

lostincoins · November 30, 2013 1:42PM

Planchet flaw, delaminating (separating layers of the folded metal) due to improper mix/folding with possible contamination. Exposure to corrosive substance could have affected the laminated/folded layers of the planchet helping cause the reverse to delaminate. If it is a fold/mix issue some of the layers will be a weaker metal and would allow for easier erosion of those areas exposed to any environmentally damaging compounds.