Fat text - mint error?

Hi,

I came across this 2016 South African R 5 coin today. The photo shows the coin with a “normal” coin for comparison. The reverse of the coin is as expected, but the lettering and the coat of arms on the obverse seemed fattened or squashed. Almost as if someone took a hammer to it without damaging the edge or the rim.

I’m curious to know how this could have occurred, assuming it is a mint error.

Check the other side.  See if it has a CW mintmark.

Hi rsirian1,

No, the reverse has no special mint marks.

Maybe just a worn die. Couldn't be a mint “error.”