What causes this kind of crack?

[BC1969]

This thing looks like PMD at first glance.
Under magnification though it is mint damage. Runs from the very top and follows through to the bottom of the memorial.


Reminds me of the time I watched a fissure open up in the ground during an earthquake.
So many cracks and splits near the mint mark off the main crack that I wonder if it is a lamination thing.

 

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[port ewen ace]

lamination, worth a few bucks on war nic. buy a REDBOOK. put "error-ref.com" in "favorites -----------------------
then spend hours studying ALL THE DATA there

 

[BC1969]

I've been studying so much that I have a headache. I found a new variety asymmetrical rim to rim cracked Lincoln that I'll post later tonight.

 

[huntsman53]

I've been studying so much that I have a headache. I found a new variety asymmetrical rim to rim cracked Lincoln that I'll post later tonight.

You need to study more on what is a Variety and what is an Error. In the case of your' War Nickel, the lamination splits are considered as Errors as all other mistakes that occurred at the Mint(s) with planchets and coins and even if the Error was caused by problems with the Die (i.e. Die Dots, Die Scratches, Cuds, Die Cracks, Die Breaks, Excessive Polishing or Grinding marks, etc., etc.). Doubled Dies and RPM's, the first which is actually caused by an error in hubbing and the second caused by additional off-the-mark Mint Mark punches is caused by an error but both are considered Varieties. Varieties are the result of planned and approved or needed changes to the Dies and or Planchet composition type. Sorry if it sounds confusing but it is really hard to describe the differences in the two (Errors and Varieties) and some are still being debated by Collectors, Dealers and Coin Experts to this day.

 

[BC1969]

As a beginner, the terminology is confusing at best!
Thank you for clearing this up for me.