My Investigation: Has Anyone Seen Images Like These on a 2020 P Dime?

I recently stumbled upon some intriguing images of a 2020 P dime that had me scratching my head—particularly a strange feature on Roosevelt’s nose that sparked my curiosity. As a coin collector, I couldn’t resist diving deeper to uncover what this anomaly really is and what it means for our hobby.

The Peculiar Nose Feature

When I first examined the enhanced photos, that mark on the nose stood out like a sore thumb—some might joke it looks like a ‘booger’ or ‘wart’, but I knew it deserved a numismatic deep dive. It appeared raised and irregular, suggesting it wasn’t just random damage. From my experience, such features often point to minting errors, not post-strike mishaps.

Demystifying Die Errors

Digging into the details, I realized this isn’t a simple die chip; it’s more accurately called an interior die break (IDB). Here’s a quick breakdown of key terms I’ve learned:

• Die Chip: An informal term for when a small piece of the die breaks off, often leading to a blob-like effect on the coin.
• Interior Die Break (IDB): The correct numismatic term—it happens when part of the die interior fractures, allowing extra metal to flow in during striking, creating a raised area.
• Cud: A die break along the rim, which is totally different and easier to spot.

To avoid confusion, I always cross-reference with authoritative sources like error-ref.com, which is gold for error identification.

Why Terminology Matters

Getting the lingo right is crucial for accurate grading and valuation. Calling it a ‘die chip’ might downplay it, but labeling it as an IDB adds precision—especially since this nose feature could be a result of die damage during production. In my view, sloppy terms can mislead new collectors, so I stick to the facts.

Professional Insights and Enhanced Imaging

I consulted with a numismatic designer who emphasized that such errors often stem from die stress or planchet issues. The enhanced photos, created with filters and apps, were a game-changer—they revealed the IDB clearly without altering the coin, proving it’s not mint damage. This approach is something I recommend for documenting any suspicious finds.

Practical Tips for Collectors

Based on my research, here’s how you can handle similar discoveries:

• Inspect Carefully: Use a 10x loupe to examine under good light—look for raised metal indicating an IDB.
• Resource Up: Bookmark error-ref.com for quick lookups; it’s saved me from misidentifying errors countless times.
• Grading Considerations: Minor IDBs like this might not boost value much, but if it’s unique or well-defined, it could attract error specialists. Always get a professional opinion before selling.
• Market Watch: Keep an eye out for other 2020 P dimes—similar errors could hint at a die variety, making them more collectible.

Grading and Value Insights

From what I’ve observed in the market, coins with clear IDBs can gain niche appeal, potentially adding a small premium if certified. However, if it’s mistaken for damage, it might hurt the grade. I suggest submitting to grading services like PCGS or NGC for an unbiased assessment.

Wrapping Up My Findings

This 2020 P dime with its ‘nose wart’ has been a fun puzzle—it reinforces why I love coin collecting. Whether it’s an IDB or something else, it’s a reminder to stay curious, verify with reliable sources, and enjoy the hunt. Happy collecting, and if you spot something similar, I’d love to hear about it!