My Deep Dive into Those Puzzling Marks on a 2020 P Dime

I recently came across images of a 2020 P dime with some unusual marks that grabbed my attention. As someone who’s collected coins for years, these little oddities always pull me in – this dime sent me down a rabbit hole exploring die errors and how to study them.

Spotting Those Curious Features

Looking closely at the coin, I zeroed in on what collectors jokingly call a “nose wart” – that little bump on Roosevelt’s profile. From what I’ve seen over the years, this isn’t accidental damage; it’s almost certainly an interior die break. Let me clarify these terms in plain language:

• Die chips: Tiny fragments that break off the die during striking, leaving small raised blobs on the coin surface.
• Interior die breaks (IDBs): Voids inside the die that fill with extra metal, creating those distinct blob-shaped features away from the edge – different from cuds.
• Cuds: More dramatic die breaks right at the rim that are easier to spot.

I always double-check sites like error-ref.com when identifying errors because getting it wrong can confuse grading or valuation. For this dime, that nose mark fits an IDB perfectly – not a chip or some weird font quirk.

Handling Your Own Finds

If you discover a coin like this 2020 P dime, here’s what works for me: First, grab a magnifier and good light – these details can be sneaky but give coins real personality. When grading, IDBs like this typically won’t change a coin’s technical grade much, but they’ll catch the eye of error specialists who might pay extra. I’ve watched well-documented examples command nice premiums. Just remember: damage that happens after striking (like spinning marks in counting machines) won’t add value, so check for consistent strike patterns first.

Getting Better Photos

To see the dime’s details clearly, I used a simple photo app to tweak contrast and brightness – no additions, just adjustments to highlight what was already there. This made the IDB pop without changing the coin itself. My go-to tip: Shoot high-res photos and use free editing tools. It’s amazing what details emerge without risking your coins under harsh lights.

Why This Matters to Collectors

This isn’t a one-off – I’ve heard chatter about similar marks popping up on other dates, making it a fun research topic. IDBs remind us how quirky the minting process can be and why hunting for errors stays exciting. Since silver dimes carry melt value too, finds like this blend precious metal intrigue with pure collecting joy. Check your rolls – you might have one of these waiting!

That 2020 P dime captures why I love this hobby: every little mark has its own story, and piecing it together feels like detective work. Happy hunting – hope your next find thrills you as much as this one did me!