The Hidden Treasures in Your Pocket Change: 2022-D and 2023-D Dime Error Hunting

The Thrill of the Hunt: Why Modern Dimes Deserve Your Attention

Most people look right past the tiny details that can turn a common item into a rarity worth thousands. When it comes to modern coinage, particularly the 2022-D and 2023-D Roosevelt dimes, many collectors assume these are just pocket change destined for vending machines and tip jars. But seasoned error hunters know better. These seemingly ordinary coins can harbor extraordinary secrets – from subtle die cracks to dramatic doubled dies that can transform a ten-cent piece into a valuable collector’s item.

Understanding the Roosevelt Dime Series

The Roosevelt dime has been in continuous production since 1946, making it one of America’s longest-running coin series. The “D” mint mark indicates production at the Denver Mint, while Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark. Both the 2022-D and 2023-D dimes were struck on copper-nickel clad planchets – specifically, a pure copper core with outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving them their distinctive silver appearance.

The Anatomy of a Modern Dime

Before diving into errors, it’s essential to understand what makes these coins “normal.” The obverse features Franklin D. Roosevelt’s profile, designed by John R. Sinnock, with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date. The reverse displays a torch (representing liberty), an olive branch (peace), and an oak branch (strength and independence). The edge is reeded with 118 reeds.

Die Cracks: The Most Common Modern Error

Die cracks are perhaps the most frequently encountered error on modern dimes. These occur when the die itself develops a crack or break, which then transfers to the coin as a raised line. On 2022-D and 2023-D dimes, die cracks often appear as thin, raised lines extending from the rim into the design elements.

Where to Look for Die Cracks

Focus your examination on high-stress areas of the die: along the rim, through the date, across Roosevelt’s profile, and through the torch on the reverse. The most valuable die cracks are those that are dramatic, extensive, or create unusual patterns. A die crack that forms a distinctive shape or runs through key design elements can command premiums from specialized collectors.

Doubled Dies: The Crown Jewel of Error Collecting

Doubled dies occur during the hubbing process when the die receives multiple impressions that are slightly misaligned. This creates a doubling effect on the coin’s design elements. For the 2023-D dime specifically, Variety Vista lists a known doubled die variety, though the photos in the forum discussion don’t clearly show this area.

Identifying Doubled Dies on Modern Dimes

When examining your 2022-D and 2023-D dimes for doubled dies, use a 10x loupe or higher magnification. Look for:

• Visible doubling in the date (especially the last digit)
• Doubling in the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”
• Doubling in “LIBERTY” on the obverse
• Doubling in the torch flames or branch leaves on the reverse

The doubling should appear as a clear separation between elements, not just as machine doubling (which is less valuable). Machine doubling appears as flat, shelf-like doubling, while true doubled dies show rounded, raised doubling.

Mint Mark Varieties and Anomalies

While less common on modern issues, mint mark varieties can still occur. Pay special attention to the “D” mint mark on your Denver-minted dimes. Look for:

• Repunched mint marks (RPMs) where the “D” appears to have been punched multiple times
• Overmintmarks where one mint mark appears beneath another
• Rotated or tilted mint marks
• Missing or weak mint marks

Advanced Error Types to Watch For

Beyond the common errors, several more dramatic varieties can appear on 2022-D and 2023-D dimes:

Off-Center Strikes

These occur when the planchet isn’t properly centered during striking, resulting in a portion of the design being missing. The more dramatic the off-center (up to about 45-50%), the more valuable the error.

Broadstrikes

A broadstrike happens when a coin is struck without the collar die in place, allowing the metal to flow outward. These coins appear wider than normal and lack a reeded edge in some areas.

Wrong Planchet Errors

Though extremely rare, occasionally dimes are struck on incorrect planchets. Keep an eye out for dimes that appear thicker, thinner, or have unusual coloration that might indicate they were struck on a foreign planchet or a planchet intended for another denomination.

Authentication and Grading Considerations

Once you’ve identified a potential error on your 2022-D or 2023-D dime, proper authentication becomes crucial. Many “errors” are actually post-mint damage or mechanical doubling. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can authenticate and grade your error coins, significantly increasing their marketability and value.

Key Authentication Points

When submitting your dime for authentication, ensure the service examines:

• The nature of the doubling (machine doubling vs. true doubled die)
• Whether die cracks are raised or incused (true errors are raised)
• The coin’s metal composition matches specifications
• Any signs of post-mint alteration

Market Values and Collector Interest

The value of error dimes varies dramatically based on the type and severity of the error. Common die cracks might add only a few dollars to a coin’s value, while dramatic doubled dies or rare mint mark varieties can command hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Current Market Trends

Modern error collecting has seen significant growth in recent years, with collectors actively seeking out varieties from the 2020s. The 2023-D doubled die listed on Variety Vista has generated particular interest among specialists. As more collectors focus on completing modern error sets, demand for these varieties continues to increase.

Developing Your Error Hunting Skills

The forum discussion reveals an important truth about error hunting: “How do people even see stuff like that?” Developing this skill takes practice and patience. Start by examining rolls of dimes from your local bank, focusing on the 2022-D and 2023-D issues. Use proper lighting and magnification, and compare coins side-by-side to spot anomalies.

Essential Tools for Error Hunting

Every serious error hunter should have:

• A quality 10x to 20x loupe or magnifying glass
• Good lighting (a jeweler’s lamp or bright LED lamp)
• A digital microscope for photographing potential errors
• Reference books like “The Cherrypickers’ Guide” and Variety Vista
• A digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams

The Psychology of Error Hunting

The forum’s humorous exchange about seeing what you want to see touches on a real phenomenon in error collecting. Confirmation bias can lead collectors to see errors that aren’t really there. That’s why proper authentication is so important. However, this same passion and attention to detail is what drives the discovery of genuine rarities.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Treasure Hunt

The 2022-D and 2023-D Roosevelt dimes represent an exciting frontier for error collectors. While most will remain common pocket change, the possibility of discovering a doubled die, dramatic die crack, or other variety makes examining these coins worthwhile. As one forum member noted, you see what you want to see – but with proper knowledge, tools, and authentication, what you want to see might just be a valuable error hiding in plain sight.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your error hunting journey, these modern dimes offer an accessible entry point into the fascinating world of mint errors. The next time you receive change, take a closer look – that ordinary dime might be extraordinary after all.

Related Resources

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