1974 "Faceless Lincoln" Penny?

Jsara226

Hey all!

I was going through some old change I had sitting around and found this penny that struck me as odd. I actually remember setting it aside the day I got it because of how strange it was to me. Apparently it got mixed back into my regular change by mistake. As you can see it appears that the Lincoln and the memorial are just silhouettes of what should be there (as far as details are concerned). I first thought it was just worn out, but the more I looked at it and felt it, I realized that it wouldn't be as smooth as it is and it would probably have quite a bit of pitting marks on the surface if it had been filed down by pavement or something else. Also, the outline of the silhouette is almost an exact outline and not distorted all over the place as it would be if it were to be filed down. The other thing about this coin that made me wonder was that the background of the penny is completely normal. I tried finding one that looked like this and couldn't find anything. I wanted to know what you all thought and if you can solve my mystery! Thank you!

https://imgur.com/gallery/8Wzqa

ModCrewman

Welcome aboard.

In my opinion, it's post mint damage (PMD). When wondering if you have found the next great error coin, it's probably best to ask yourself first "What post mint things could have happened to this coin to cause what I'm seeing?" There are far more ways for a coin to be damaged after it leaves the mint than there are in the mint. Especially when you find one that looks as well travelled as the one you have...think "damage" before you think "error." We all started where you are, so keep asking questions.

lkeigwin

People do screwy things with pennies. Most are virtually worthless. "Let's have some fun!"

They snip them with dikes, squeeze them in vises, plate and acid treat them, lay them on train rails, roll them through tourist stamping machines, punch or shoot holes in them. At one time they were quick (and dangerous!) replacements for blown fuses.

I'll bet they have been abused in thousands of different ways. This one looks sanded or filed.
Lance.

KellenCoin

Perhaps struck through a die cap?

LanceNewmanOCC

.
pmd.

bolivarshagnasty

Looks like PMD, post mint damage. The bust is the high point on the obverse. Appears to have been mechanically removed, ie. sanded or filed.

Jsara226

Thanks everyone, I was thinking it was one of the two...now I'm wondering why on earth would someone want to file this down? Lol

ricko

@Jsara226... Welcome aboard.... Yes, it is PMD... and the reasons why people do things with coins are almost as plentiful as coins themselves....Holes, initials, dates.. .and the other things named above...acid treated, mercury coated and gold plated.... So, in the future, you will see a lot more oddities... and feel free to bring them here for help identifying them. Cheers, RickO