1942 us penny very small

[Lady E]

This is a us 1942 penny I found in a roll. It is smaller in size and thickness. First time I have encountered this. Any opinions? 

[Lady E]

Second picture shows front of penny. Appears to have striations.....stuck in the machine when stamping? 

[Just Bob]

Reduced thickness and reduced diameter without a corresponding loss of design are often a sign that the coin has been treated with acid. That could be what has happened to your coin, along with some wear and damage. 

Oh, and , welcome to the forum.

[Lady E]

If indeed acid, how can it reduce thickness and not destroy both sides of stamping?

[Mohawk]

1 hour ago, Lady E said:

If indeed acid, how can it reduce thickness and not destroy both sides of stamping?

It depends on how long the coin is soaked in the acid.  The relief on older Lincoln Cents was decently high, so the devices are made of some rather thick metal.  It's not like the devices are just thin little layers sitting on top of the disc that is the coin.  There is a loss of detail in the devices,as you can see.  If the coin was in the acid long enough, it would have destroyed the devices.  However, it was removed before that could happen.  Your coin has certainly been subjected to a corrosive substance.

[CBC]

What does the reverse side look like?