1999 Lincoln cent

[Coindog]

What is up with the surface of this coin? Is it a flaw in the planchet? It's in the obverse and reverse. Forehead scar die crack. I call it the Lincoln head shot scar. LOL

[Dschone8]

It appears to be lineal lines of occluded gas. Sometimes the strike interrupts the lines and gives a wrinkled look. No real value (though some people, including me, collect good examples). This one is a good example in great condition. Sometimes hard to find nice examples because the 'bubbles' often have micro fractures that let water in and then zinc rot commences.
PS - Sometimes the strike itself creates the bubbles (I believe I read that somewhere but that might not be completely accurate).

[Coindog]

Thanks, It has a cool aesthetic look to it. Nice to know what created it.

[jcuve]

I would not call it occluded gas - that is restricted to sold alloy coins. This is a case where contaminants are inadvertently laid down on the zinc strips, pre plating, and gassing from the heat and pressure from the strike. A Lincoln cent phenomena...

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[Coindog]

Jcuve, So I take it that it's a common thing and not a minting error. Thanks for the education on this.

[jcuve]

It's a type of minting error that is common and acceptable to the Mint. They only become an interest to collectors if the plating blister(s) are extreme - and then there still is only minor interest.

[Dschone8]

Thanks for the education Jason. I've always referred to them as lineal occluded gas bubbles. There is something to learn everyday in this hobby.