2012 Lincoln cent error?

[PennyRich]

I found this penny about a week ago or so. I clearly identified an upside down “3” on Lincoln’s should with the naked eye.

However, I just finished posting this on, “cointalk”, and getting informed that it is nothing shy of impossible, and a figment of my imagination.

I have shown this penny to at least a dozen other people, who also identified the “3” on his shoulder.

I would appreciate some insight here. I know I’m not crazy.

[mustbebob]

If you loaded a photo, I am not seeing it. If you have not loaded a pic yet, can you do it? Most times, things like this are called pareidolia, or seeing something that just isn't there.

[PennyRich]

I loaded several photos that are showing on my end.

however, take note that while face-timing my 80 year old grandmother, I showed her the coin under my scope and simply asked, “what do you see?” She replied instantly with, “well, I certainly see a 3, why?”

not to come across as argumentative, but how do I see this, half a dozen individuals, and my 80 year old grandmother over a FaceTime call, but I get told it’s my imagination on forums? Lol, I’m just confused.

I can admit however, I have a lot to learn, which I’m eager to do. But I know there’s a 3 lol.

[PennyRich]

45E93609-F607-442A-9717-464AE2E3785B.jpeg

[jcuve]

I can agree there is something in the photos that resembles a 3. Is it incuse or raised?

In order to properly identify something as a Mint error, one has to describe through the mint process how it came to be. Just because someone cannot explain how a coin could have something resembling a 3 DOES NOT MAKE IT AN ERROR. Nothing short of a likely explanation, and nothing improbable, is going to suffice. I cannot conjure up a likely mint made scenario on a 2012 Lincoln cent.