Interesting Kennedy Error - But What Type??

[Fugio]

So I just got through with a box of half dollars and got skunked. The only exception was this interesting coin. It appears to be some sort of planchet error, but one I have not come across before. There is a line cutting through Kennedy's nose, as well as the date. All details are soft on obverse and reverse. Surfaces are mottled and dark, absolutely no luster or wear to surfaces. Thoughts? Error coin is on the left in attached images along with an average Kennedy of similar vintage, but normal appearance.

 

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[Back-of-the-boat]

Looks like liquid chemical damage of some kind.

 

[galenrog]

Looks like liquid chemical damage of some kind.

Agreed.

 

[Fugio]

Thank you both for the response! I must say, I tend to disagree that this is chemical damage. The appearance of the obverse field still looks struck, although this is impossible to photograph (you have to play with the light to see it). The way the "line" or lamination that cuts through Kennedy's nose is only on the obverse, and does not appear on the reverse, also hints toward a planchet issue in my mind (as opposed to being dipped in some chemical solution).

At the end of the day, you may very well be correct that this is simply chemical damage. This is a tricky one, hence the post. I couldn't find any known errors quite like it. Again, I appreciate you taking the time to review and comment!

 

[l.cutler]

What does the edge look like? If the copper core is eroded it is acid or some corrosive substance for sure.

 

[Fugio]

What does the edge look like? If the copper core is eroded it is acid or some corrosive substance for sure.

Great observation. I didn't even think of photographing the edge. Here it is. Not sure how decisive it is in this case. Let me know your thoughts!

 

[ModernMiner]

Very interesting coin. I would think if it was chemical it would have appeared on the reverse too like you said.
👍
MM

 

[ModernMiner]

Not if it laid in a small spot of it ON that side.... or rather... partially in something.

Contact with any number of a small amount of liquids... even in some cases contact with certain metals can cause a reaction.

If it layed on one side in a chemical though, would the line be straight?

 

[ARC]

Looks like it was left in a jar of coin dip.

 

[ARC]

If it layed on one side in a chemical though, would the line be straight?

I deleted that post after actually opening pictures... heh

 

[ModernMiner]

Looks like it was left in a jar of coin dip.

Like those old Tarnex commercials. 😀

 

[l.cutler]

I guess I'd have to say the edge doesn't prove anything, but it doesn't disprove anything either! My gut feeling is it's a chemical reaction of some sort, I just don't see anything in the minting process that could result in this. There are an unlimited number of things that can happen to a coin after it is struck though.

 

[Fugio]

Very interesting coin. I would think if it was chemical it would have appeared on the reverse too like you said.
👍
MM

Looks like it was left in a jar of coin dip.

I guess I'd have to say the edge doesn't prove anything, but it doesn't disprove anything either! My gut feeling is it's a chemical reaction of some sort, I just don't see anything in the minting process that could result in this. There are an unlimited number of things that can happen to a coin after it is struck though.

Thank you all for having a look and providing your opinion on this one. The line through the obverse is what really had me thinking maybe this was a mint error. In the end, as with most things in numismatics, the most likely explanation is usually correct. In this case it is either a rarely seen minting/planchet error, or the coin was simply ruined via some sort of chemical reaction after being circulated. With your feedback, I am leaning towards the latter.