1962 D Lincoln Penny interesting "bird" formation

[Evanz14]

I just wanted to share what my kid found on a 1962 D Lincoln Penny. It is kind of a bird-like formation on the pillars. I really don't know if it is an error because I don't see it on any resource sites just yet. At least on Variety Vista. Maybe a PMS. But it is just interesting on how it was formed. I took a picture up close and even on the side an upside down. Let me know what you think.

[occnumis2021]

looks like a case of post-mint damage to me (PMD). (don't ask what happened because it really could just be anything, intentional or otherwise.

you look at enough coins closely (esp for errors/varieties), you will start understanding jackson pollock artwork.

if your kid(s) find it interesting, set it aside. costs nothing but face value and it is a good trait (features that looks off) to teach them if they are into numismatics, the skill/wisdom to know the diff will come with learning and time.

may even be a good lesson to let them keep too much stuff like this and weed out stuff to keep after a while. i've enjoyed going back during my learning processes and kinda chuckling at stuff i've set aside once my knowledge had increased.

[Evanz14]

Thanks for your input. They will definitely keep it because that is their first find and it is cool for them. I might frame it with the photo.

[jaywild]

Hi, I think this is either processing marks from mint handling (less likely) or environmental damage post-mint (much more likely). The mark is repeated with lesser effect at lower right from the original mark. Some kind of tool with a crenelated edge struck the surface of the coin.

[MintErrors]

In my opinion, we only have a portion of this coin to look over. Is there any other clues on the rest of the reverse or obverse? The photos above are clear, but they show only a small portion of the coin. A complete obverse and reverse would be great.

I am on a tablet as I type, and zooming in on this piece gives me the impression it almost looks like a fragment. It's in between two columns but leans on the left column. It could be lamination which found a home as well.

If it was a fragment or lamination, it might move if you barely touch it with a toothpick. I suggest leaving it be, as any type of prodding may knock it off the coin.

[Evanz14]

I will attached photos that I recently took. I got a better quality microscope than the one I have. I don't think it is a fragment. I tried taking it out with a toothpick but it does not move. Attached are the photos. You will see how tiny it is and I was surprise my kids found it. But thank you for you input. I am telling my kids all the things you guys said. It is very helpful to us, especially for them. They are building their knowledge through your wisdom and knowledge. Truly appreciate it.

In my opinion, we only have a portion of this coin to look over. Is there any other clues on the rest of the reverse or obverse? The photos above are clear, but they show only a small portion of the coin. A complete obverse and reverse would be great.

I am on a tablet as I type, and zooming in on this piece gives me the impression it almost looks like a fragment. It's in between two columns but leans on the left column. It could be lamination which found a home as well.

If it was a fragment or lamination, it might move if you barely touch it with a toothpick. I suggest leaving it be, as any type of prodding may knock it off the coin.

[MintErrors]

I will let you research one phrase, let me know what you find.

Lincoln cent beehive

[Evanz14]

Those are actually interesting cud. CUD are die breaks correct? I will show these to my kids. We are learning. Comparing it to the coin we have, I don't think it is a cent beehive. Is it?

I will let you research one phrase, let me know what you find.

Lincoln cent beehive

[MintErrors]

In my opinion, a beehive is a die break or die chip.
Cuds typically are die cracks that involve the rim.

With the photos presented, that's my best guess. The only other thing I can imagine it to be from the photos is a retained fragment. I don't see any damage to the obverse of the coin, which makes me believe it is not PMD. I thought I saw an additional mark of some sort to the southern part of the reverse. I will look closer when I get a moment to do so.

[MintErrors]

Yes, there appears to be another similar mark on the "C" in CENT. What ever it is, PMD, die chips, cracks or lamination, the issue is pretty minor. The area isn't shiny, has developed a patina and wear over time may have affected the area.

Being that the coin was in circulation, and this affected area was done some time ago, it becomes difficult to assess what caused it.

[Evanz14]

Thank you sir for your input and knowledge. We are learning everyday. It is just cool and interesting on how that chip formed and my kid saw it.