Would the struck coin being in motion (or at least not held in place) as it is being struck affect this? The edge of the die would basically scrape the coin until the design "bit" and held it still while leaving an impression. No upset rim present in that area for the die to reinforce, either.
Another possibility, although seemingly remote, is that this is an indent that has been subsequently struck, but that would require the indenting coin to be ejected while this one stayed put.
Comments
Would the struck coin being in motion (or at least not held in place) as it is being struck affect this? The edge of the die would basically scrape the coin until the design "bit" and held it still while leaving an impression. No upset rim present in that area for the die to reinforce, either.
Another possibility, although seemingly remote, is that this is an indent that has been subsequently struck, but that would require the indenting coin to be ejected while this one stayed put.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Side view.