Has Anyone Seen Images Like These? My Close Look at a 2020 P Dime

As a coin collector for years, I recently picked up a 2020 P dime that stopped me in my tracks with some truly odd features. Roosevelt’s nose had this peculiar bump that made me grab my loupe and start digging – and wow, what a journey it’s been sharing this with you.

Spotting the Unusual Features

Under magnification, that nose area jumped out immediately. A raised, wart-like bump sat right on the bridge – not just a scratch or ding, but something that looked almost like a tiny bullet shape. That’s when I knew this wasn’t ordinary wear; my error-hunting instincts kicked into high gear.

Understanding Die Breaks and Chips

After comparing notes with trusted references, I’m confident we’re looking at an interior die break (IDB). Let me break this down simply:

• Interior Die Break (IDB): Happens when a tiny piece breaks off inside the die, letting extra metal flow into the gap during striking. That’s what created this raised bump.
• Die Chip vs. IDB: Many folks say “die chip,” but that’s actually outdated – IDB is the proper term for internal breaks like this.
• Cuds: Different beast entirely – those are rim breaks, not internal features.

When in doubt, I always cross-check with Error-ref.com – it’s saved me from mislabeling more than once!

Practical Photography and Analysis Tips

Getting clear shots made all the difference. I used simple photo filters to highlight details without touching the coin itself – no tricks, just making nature’s quirks more visible. For your own finds:

• Angle your light source sharply and get close with a macro lens – shadows reveal everything.
• Go easy on digital enhancements; subtle tweaks can spotlight details without distorting.
• Shoot multiple angles like I did with the reverse – that extra context often tells the real story.

Grading and Market Insights

How does an IDB affect value? Size and placement matter most. A small quirk like this won’t tank the grade if the coin’s otherwise clean, but error collectors might pay extra. From what I’ve seen:

• Distinct, identifiable errors often fetch premiums, especially in specialty auctions.
• For this 2020 dime? Could be worth above face to the right collector, but always verify with a pro before selling.

My grading rule: Assess the whole coin first, then note the error separately in your records.

Why This Matters for Collectors

Here’s what really excites me: I’ve heard chatter about similar bumps appearing on other recent dimes. Could this point to broader die issues? Finds like this remind me that extraordinary stories hide in everyday change – I’ll definitely be checking every Roosevelt dime that crosses my path now!

Final Thoughts

This little dime reignited why I love coin collecting. Whether it’s an IDB, cud, or some other mint quirk, each discovery adds another piece to the puzzle. So keep those loupes clean and stay curious – your next pocket change surprise might be just one coin flip away!