Question on an Indian head penny

[edlynne]

I just dug this 1874 penny today and was wondering why the letters Liberty cannot be read, It looks like someone drilled the letters out. Also on the feathers it appears to have been drilled also. The coin on the right is a flying eagle, any ideas on how to see date. I used the warm peroxide bath just to be able to identify it. Thanks in advance.

 

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[jewelerguy]

no clue why someone added the divots to the head dress, but it is very interesting. you can tell that they took some time to be precise in whatever they were trying to achieve. I think it's a pretty cool find. that flying eagle is beyond toast. I doubt you'll be able to get a date off it

 

[Loco-Digger]

That's a unique coin you have. If only it could talk...

 

[edlynne]

Here is a better close up picture. i agree someone took time to make every punch count. I don't think they liked the Liberty!

 

[Loco-Digger]

Here is a better close up picture. i agree someone took time to make every punch count. I don't think they liked the Liberty!

View attachment 1279559

I think that they may have been planning on adding some paste stones or they may have used a water based paint that has since washed away.