Been a While for Silver: My Coin Roll Hunting Comeback and Finds
July 14, 2025Is This Coin What I Think/Hope It Is? My Numismatic Discovery Journey
July 14, 2025
Lately, I’ve been glued to my loupe examining Roosevelt dimes, and what a thrill when I discovered one sporting multiple large die chips! That sneaky little chip on Roosevelt’s nose nearly escaped me at first – talk about a heart-pounding moment for any collector.
What Exactly Are These Die Chips?
Picture this: during minting, a tiny piece of the die breaks off, leaving behind a raised bump on the coin. I’ve learned they love hiding in deep recesses like nostrils or lips, making them devilishly hard to spot but oh-so-rewarding when you catch one. Always remember: if it’s raised, it’s a die chip – not a stain or damage.
Just How Rare Are They?
I used to think die chips were scarce finds, but boy was I wrong! They’re turning up regularly on dimes these days, especially certain dates. Take that silver dime in my collection with a chip right on the mouth – professionally attributed by NGC and now one of my favorite pieces. You won’t find them on every coin, but hunt patiently through circulated rolls and you’ll uncover these hidden treasures.
To Grade or Not to Grade?
Here’s the dilemma every collector faces with error coins like these. From my experience, if a coin shows heavy wear, grading costs often outweigh the value. I’d keep it raw and enjoy it as-is. Save your grading budget for sharply struck examples where those chips really pop – that’s where you’ll see the best return.
Field Notes From My Hunting Journal
Let me share what’s worked in my searches:
- Good light and magnification are non-negotiable – these little imperfections add such personality
- Certain dates seem prone to them, so focus your efforts there
- Coins with multiple dramatic chips? Keep them ungraded – they’re perfect study pieces that spark great conversations
Finding a Roosevelt dime packed with these die chips feels like uncovering buried treasure. It’s moments like these that remind me why I fell in love with coin collecting – every mark tells a story, and we get to be the detectives.
