Decoding the Oddities: My Investigation into a 2020 P Dime’s Baffling Features

I’ve spent countless hours examining coins, and recently, some images of a 2020 P dime grabbed my attention. What started as casual curiosity quickly became a fascinating detective story that reminded me why I love numismatics.

Spotting and Identifying Die Errors

When I first noticed that distinctive bump on Roosevelt’s nose – some collectors jokingly call it a “nose wart” – my experience told me it was likely a die error. After checking my references, I confirmed this was probably an interior die break (IDB). It’s easy to confuse these with smaller die chips or rim cuds, so I always double-check sites like Error-ref.com when I’m unsure. Getting the terminology right matters more than you’d think – calling it a “bullet font” or other creative names just muddies the water for everyone.

Analyzing the 2020 P Dime’s Peculiarities

This particular dime had me hooked. That bulge on Roosevelt’s nose stood out clearly in enhanced photos. I used some basic digital tools to highlight details without altering anything, but I’ve learned not to jump to conclusions with images alone. The mark appears to be an IDB where extra metal squeezed into a die crack during striking. What’s really interesting? I spotted similar patterns on other dimes, hinting this might not be a one-off fluke. The reverse showed signs of post-strike damage too – possibly from a spun planchet – though I’d need to examine it in hand to be certain.

Practical Collecting Insights and Tips

• Spotting errors: Grab your loupe and good lighting – those tiny die chips hide easily but feel like treasure when found
• Value considerations: Minor errors like this rarely bring big premiums unless they’re dramatic. Always photograph yours clearly for documentation
• Market watch: Niche collectors seek these quirks – peek at eBay sold listings to gauge interest
• Trust but verify: Fun nicknames are great for conversation, but stick to authoritative sources like CONECA when identifying errors

Wrapping Up My Exploration

This little dime reminded me why I collect – every coin tells a story. If you find something unusual, document it thoroughly and share with fellow collectors. It’s these shared discoveries that make our hobby so rewarding. Keep looking closely, and happy hunting!