Purposeful reverse damage to cross - Justinian - Rome - SB 301

[ela126]

I bought this coin for an absolute steal ($28), so I’m ok with its condition as it sits. The damage seems so purposefully done, I’m curious if anyone has come across this? Complete purposeful mutilation of the star and cross on reverse, but not the K. Not done prior to whatever burial the coin had as it’s not the same patina, but I would guess not too recently it’s retoned a bit.

obverse is still wonderful. Has anyone come across this? I have to assume it wasn’t targeted BD removal, but…?

 

[Kaleun96]

I would guess it's from BD or some other corrosion product removal due to the pitted surfaces in those areas but it does seem very targeted. I think the quickest and most effective way to remove the symbols would generally result in some fairly clear tool marks being left behind but I don't see any. The only tool that might make sense would be a centre punch but that strikes me as a very ineffective way of removing a symbol from a coin.

[Furryfrog02]

51 minutes ago, Kaleun96 said:

I would guess it's from BD or some other corrosion product removal due to the pitted surfaces in those areas but it does seem very targeted. I think the quickest and most effective way to remove the symbols would generally result in some fairly clear tool marks being left behind but I don't see any. The only tool that might make sense would be a centre punch but that strikes me as a very ineffective way of removing a symbol from a coin.

You don't think those little pits around where the symbols were are not tool marks? 
Especially along the "K" they are all in a straight line down like someone put the tool there and then chiseled into where the star was. 

I dunno. Just speculating. Could be BD as well lol.