What is the mark that is down the neck? I thought at first it may be a die crack (being a n00b) but then I figured those would be raised and this is indented. It does seem as if it has been there since minting however.

Someone wanted to whack GV back during his lifetime, and took aim for his neck apparently. It is most definitely post mint damage, maybe it did service in Ireland or Cornwall or some raballious place.

I agree, looks like post-mint damage unless he had a scar that we didn't notice...

Thanks for the replies

I posted one last year of him wearing an earring - apparently someone had used something to put and indented ring around his ear on the same portrait.

Yeah, I saw that thread when I was lurking. made him look like a pirate