My Deep Dive into Those Mysterious 2020 P Dime Images

You know, I was looking at some images of a 2020 P dime the other day, and boy, did it have some interesting quirks! It reminded me why finding errors can be one of the most exciting parts of coin collecting. As someone who loves numismatics, I’m always drawn to the stories behind these oddities. This dime had a lot to say, so I thought I’d pass along what I found and a few tips for my fellow collectors.

What Stood Out on That Dime

Right away, something caught my eye on Roosevelt’s profile: a little raised bump that collectors jokingly call a ‘nose wart’. At first glance, it might look like a tiny blob or even a speck of dirt, but I’ve learned not to assume. I played around with some basic photo filters (just to sharpen things up, no alterations) and noticed this wasn’t the only oddity — there were other spots suggesting minting issues. And don’t forget the back! The reverse had marks that could be from the planchet shifting after the strike. It just goes to show: always check both sides in good light.

Making Sense of Mint Mistakes: Die Breaks Explained

As I looked into it, I found these weren’t just random flaws. Take that bump on the nose: it’s not a die chip — an older term for when a small piece breaks off the die. Actually, it’s what’s called an ‘interior die break’ (IDB). That happens when there’s a void in the die, letting extra metal squeeze in during the strike and leave a raised area. Cuds are different; they’re breaks along the rim, which didn’t match what I was seeing. I always turn to error-ref.com to double-check — it’s my go-to for getting IDs right. Here’s the lowdown:

• Die Chip: An older term for small breaks; you might see it used, but it often means minor bumps from chipped dies.
• Interior Die Break (IDB): Happens when there’s a void inside the die, which fills with metal and leaves a raised spot — like our ‘wart’.
• Cud: A break right on the die’s edge, which can wipe out part of the rim or design.

Getting the terms right really matters when it comes to grading and value, so I always try to brush up before calling anything.

Hands-On Tips for Collectors

In my experience, errors like this on a 2020 P dime are interesting but probably not super rare — I’ve seen similar things on other dates too. But when you’re checking out a coin like this, here’s what I suggest:

• Grab a magnifier or use photo tools (without changing the coin) to see the details.
• Check busy spots like the portrait — that’s where IDBs often show up and collectors love them.
• Keep in mind: small errors might not add much value unless they’re really eye-catching. When in doubt, check a price guide or ask an expert.
• I can’t recommend error-ref.com enough — it’s bailed me out more times than I can count!

While these little quirks can be a big draw for error specialists, remember that condition is everything. So handle your coins gently to keep them in top shape.

All in all, studying this dime was a lot of fun. It’s a perfect example of why I love coin collecting — each piece has its own tale. And who knows? With a sharp eye, you could find something amazing in your own stash. Happy hunting!