My Exploration of Mysterious Marks on a 2020 P Dime

I recently got my hands on some enhanced photos of a 2020 P dime that had me scratching my head—unusual marks on the obverse, especially around Roosevelt’s nose. As a seasoned collector, I dove into the details to figure out what these anomalies could be and what they mean for our hobby. Let me walk you through my findings and share some practical insights.

Identifying the Marks

After examining the images closely, I focused on that prominent ‘wart-like’ mark on Roosevelt’s nose. At first glance, it might look like a die chip or even something humorous, like a booger, but I quickly realized it’s more complex. Through my research, I confirmed this is an interior die break (IDB), where a piece of the die broke off during striking, allowing extra metal to flow into the void. This isn’t a simple die chip or a font element, as some might guess—it’s a specific type of error that adds intrigue to the coin.

Understanding Die Breaks vs. Cuds

To clear up any confusion, I revisited the basics of mint errors. An interior die break (IDB) occurs within the design area, like on this dime’s face, while cuds are die breaks along the rim. Here’s a quick breakdown from my experience:

• IDBs: These create raised blobs or irregularities on the coin, such as the one on the nose. They’re often mistaken for die chips, but chips are smaller and less defined.
• Cuds: Rim-based breaks that can cause dramatic distortions, but in this case, the marks are clearly interior.
• Why it matters: Correct identification is key for grading and valuation. For instance, IDBs like this one can be rare and desirable if they’re prominent and well-defined.

I always recommend cross-referencing with reliable resources like error-ref.com for in-depth error definitions—it’s a goldmine for collectors.

Grading Tips and Market Value

When it comes to grading such errors, I’ve learned that size and location make a big difference. This nose mark is fairly noticeable, which could boost the coin’s appeal if authenticated. From my observations in the market:

• Rarity: Uncommon errors like this on modern dimes can fetch premiums, especially if they’re from a specific mint like Philadelphia (P). I’d estimate a well-graded example with a clear IDB might sell for 5-10 times face value in collector circles.
• Grading advice: Always get coins like this certified by services like PCGS or NGC. Look for sharpness in the error and ensure it’s not post-mint damage—enhanced photos, like the ones I used with filters, help reveal details without altering the coin.
• Market watch: Keep an eye out for similar errors in other dates; there’s a hint that another 2020 dime might share this trait, which could indicate a die variety worth hunting for.

Practical Advice for Collectors

Based on this experience, I’ve got some hands-on tips for spotting and handling such finds. First, when you encounter a coin with odd marks:

• Examine it under good lighting with a loupe—look for raised areas that suggest die breaks rather than scratches or dents.
• Use photo enhancement tools carefully; they can highlight features without adding anything, as I did here, but avoid over-editing to maintain authenticity.
• Document everything: Note the mint mark, date, and specific locations of errors. For this dime, the reverse showed mint damage too, like a spun planchet, adding to its story.

Overall, this 2020 P dime is a cool example of how modern coins can surprise us with hidden gems. I’m excited to hunt for more like it—happy collecting!