Decoding the Mystery: Anomalies on a 2020 P Dime

I’ve been hooked on coin errors for years, and just the other day, while checking out a 2020 P dime, something weird caught my eye—a little raised bump on Roosevelt’s nose, like a tiny wart or booger. That sent me on a mission to figure it out, and I thought you collectors might want to hear what I learned.

Spotting Something Odd

Right away, that bump on the nose stood out. It wasn’t just a tiny flaw; it was pretty obvious, especially when I took some close-up photos using a simple design app (just tweaked the lighting for clarity, didn’t add anything). It made me wonder: was this a common little die chip, or something more? I’ve seen my share of oddities, but this one felt different enough to really dig into.

Figuring It Out: Die Chip or Die Break?

We toss around “die chip” a lot, but getting it right matters. After checking my go-to references like error-ref.com and numismatic guides, I realized this wasn’t a simple chip. It looks like an interior die break (IDB). Here’s the difference:

• Die Chip: This older term means a tiny piece chipped off the die. They’re usually small and wouldn’t make such a noticeable bump like this.
• Interior Die Break (IDB): This fits the nose bump perfectly. It happens when a piece breaks off *inside* the die’s design area, letting extra metal squish in during striking. That’s how you get that wart-like bump.
• Cuds: These are die breaks right on the rim. Since this bump is smack in the middle of the face, it’s not a cud.

I also ruled out ideas like a “bullet font” error or just damage after the coin left the mint – those didn’t hold up. Getting the terminology straight helps everyone understand what they’re looking at and how to grade it fairly.

What It Means for Collectors

We all know errors can add value, but it depends on how dramatic they are and how rare. This 2020 P dime has a pretty bold and clear IDB on the nose, which could definitely catch an error specialist’s eye. A few things to think about:

• Grading Tips: If you find one, get it slabbed by a pro service. A strong IDB like this might actually *add* to the grade if it’s clearly a mint error and not damage. Handle it carefully by the edges to keep those details sharp.
• Market Watch: Error coins are popular, especially on recent dates like this. Something unique could pull a nice premium, but do your homework – check recent eBay sold listings or PCGS auction archives to see what similar errors are bringing.
• How Rare Is It? I’ve heard murmurs about similar bumps on other dimes, but this one on a 2020-P seems noteworthy. Good, clear photos are your best friend for proving it’s the real deal.

How to Check It Yourself

When I find something odd, here’s my routine: Start with clear photos – I just used a basic photo app to adjust the light and shadows, which made the bump pop without changing the coin itself. Then, hit error-ref.com; it’s an amazing free resource for identifying errors. If you’re still unsure, toss a photo up in a collector forum for opinions, but always verify with trusted sources. And don’t rush to label it – take a good look at the strike and the blank coin metal itself to rule out any damage that happened after it left Philadelphia.

Finding quirks like this on a 2020 P dime is exactly why I love coin collecting. That little IDB isn’t just a flaw; it’s a tiny piece of minting history waiting to be found. Keep looking closely, stay curious, and happy hunting!