1903 Penny with squared off bottom loop inside the 3

[terrysoldpennies]

New variety ?    I have looked at this under close magnification and can see no sign of tampering or damage , but there is a dent on the edge of the opposite side , but it is away from the position of the 3 due to slight die rotation on the coin .          Normal 1903 type below

 

[terrysoldpennies]

[terrysoldpennies]

[mrbadexample]

To my inexpert eye, I think there's die wear here giving a thicker lower curve of the three, which makes the bottom appear squarer. 

[secret santa]

It does look a little different, but it would be nice to have an EF specimen to be sure.

[blakeyboy]

7 hours ago, mrbadexample said:

To my inexpert eye, I think there's die wear here giving a thicker lower curve of the three, which makes the bottom appear squarer. 

I'm with you on this- well spotted.

[terrysoldpennies]

Well, I'm not sure its caused by die wear , but if it is, there should be other examples out there to be found. !!  

[1949threepence]

27 minutes ago, terrysoldpennies said:

Well, I'm not sure its caused by die wear , but if it is, there should be other examples out there to be found. !!  

Worth keeping a sharp lookout for, either way.

[mrbadexample]

12 hours ago, terrysoldpennies said:

Well, I'm not sure its caused by die wear , but if it is, there should be other examples out there to be found. !!  

Well I'd always defer to those with more knowledge but I'm struggling to otherwise explain the increased thickness of the 3 at that point. 

[Iannich48]

Definitely squared inside the loop. I don't think that it is a 3/1, as it is too far to the right and away from the 190 in the date. Interesting find.

[Rob]

I'd say it was damage to the die in the absence of a different font 3. Is it any different to a filled numeral such as the internal angle of a 2 where it is clearly due to the loss of a tiny fragment

Edited February 16, 2022 by Rob

[Martinminerva]

1 hour ago, Rob said:

 

I'd say it was damage to the die in the absence of a different font 3. Is it any different to a filled numeral such as the internal angle of a 2 where it is clearly due to the loss of a tiny fragmant

 

Agreed. The interstices of numerals and letters on dies did have a habit of breaking away leaving thicker and filled digits/letters on the finished coins throughout the bronze series. As well as numerous filled 2's that Rob mentions for example, there is also the "double barred" 5 on a 1915 penny that springs to mind...