GV1 penny puzzle

[RChris]

Puzzling me but then I'm easily confused......this example must have been messed with but it weighs the same as a normal penny at 9.4g. Wouldn't one expect it to be at least a little lighter if it's had the letters and numbers physically removed in someones shed? 

[Rob]

In the overall scheme of things, the legend doesn't actually weigh that much. I doubt it would be more than 0.2-0.3g, if that. Whilst the relief appears quite prominent, it doesn't actually cover that much surface area given both limb thickness and height is less than a mm for just about any letter, and there is plenty of space in the holes. I guess if you have access to a lathe and are practical, you could try removing them off a good penny and measure the actual weight loss.