My Investigation into Peculiar Features on the 2020 P Dime

You know how sometimes a coin just stops you in your tracks? That happened to me recently with a 2020 P dime showing what looked like odd markings around Roosevelt’s nose. As someone who’s spent years hunting for errors, I had to dig into this. What I found might change how you look at that dime in your pocket.

Die Errors Explained: Chips vs. Breaks

Let’s clear up some confusion first. That bump some collectors jokingly call a “booger” or “nose wart” is actually an Interior Die Break (IDB) – when a chunk of the die breaks off during striking. The extra metal fills that gap, leaving a raised blob. It’s not part of the design, despite what memes suggest. A few key distinctions:

• Die chips are smaller fragments – think pebbles versus boulders compared to IDBs
• Cuds happen specifically along the rim, which we didn’t see here
• When in doubt, I always cross-check with Error-ref.com – their photo examples are invaluable

Examining the 2020 P Dime

Zooming in on that nose feature, high-resolution photos revealed a clear raised area. This isn’t post-mint damage from a coin rolling machine – it’s likely a genuine IDB. Here’s how I approached it:

• Photo filters help highlight details without touching the coin – just don’t add anything digitally
• Check other dates too; similar errors might appear across recent dimes
• The reverse seems clean, so focus your inspection on Roosevelt’s portrait

Collecting and Grading Advice

Errors like this can add character and value, but only if handled right. From my experience:

• Spotting them: Look for unexpected raised areas under good light – a 10x loupe helps distinguish errors from damage
• Grading: Services like PCGS or NGC give the best assessment – prominent IDBs can boost value, but faint ones might not
• Value: Truly unique errors can command premiums among specialists, though common ones add modest value. Watch recent eBay sales to gauge interest

Why This Fascinates Collectors

This is why I love coin hunting – ordinary pocket change can hold extraordinary stories. That 2020 dime might not be silver, but its quirks connect us to the minting process. Snap clear photos of your finds and share them with fellow collectors. We’re all detectives in this hobby, and your dime might just be the next conversation starter at the coin club meeting.