1981 Lincoln cent 0

[Moneyy]

while I’m searching through my Lincoln coins came across this one, and not sure if that a mint error or something common 

[Just Bob]

That is "wood grain" toning, caused by improper mixing of the copper and zinc alloy used to make the planchet. When the sheets are rolled out, it creates streaks or other patterns, that are popular with some collectors.

[VKurtB]

Not as common in recent years as it was early in the series.

[JKK]

I kind of wonder. I see the thinking, but the pattern seems a little too consistent for the normal woodgrain look. Most of the woodgrain I see has highlights that stayed lighter, rather than ones that grew much darker. Not saying it definitely isn't, but am saying I would like to see it under a microscope where one could perhaps assess whether the dark stripes are some form of crudulation from contact with something (evidently nothing abrasive, rule that out), or whether they are baked into the metal.

[Moneyy]

Thank you all for the info... its definitely just black stripes in the coin 

does not show without flash 

[Moneyy]

[Moneyy]

2 hours ago, JKK said:

I kind of wonder. I see the thinking, but the pattern seems a little too consistent for the normal woodgrain look. Most of the woodgrain I see has highlights that stayed lighter, rather than ones that grew much darker. Not saying it definitely isn't, but am saying I would like to see it under a microscope where one could perhaps assess whether the dark stripes are some form of crudulation from contact with something (evidently nothing abrasive, rule that out), or whether they are baked into the metal.

 

[VKurtB]

My eyes are going all blurry.