For numismatists and coin collectors, few things are as exciting as discovering a rare minting error that transforms an ordinary coin into a valuable treasure. The 2018 Roosevelt dime offers a particularly intriguing array of errors that have captivated collectors. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various 2018 dime errors, with a special focus on the sought-after 2018-P dime error list, providing expert insights into their characteristics, rarity, and potential value.
The 2018 Roosevelt Dime: A Brief Overview
Before delving into the errors, let's review the standard specifications of the 2018 Roosevelt dime:
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
- Diameter: 17.91 mm
- Weight: 2.27 grams
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint marks: P (Philadelphia), D (Denver)
- Designer: John R. Sinnock
- Obverse design: Profile of Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Reverse design: Torch with olive branch and oak branch
In 2018, the Philadelphia Mint produced 1,542,000,000 dimes, while the Denver Mint struck 1,773,800,000. These high mintage numbers make finding a valuable error even more exciting for collectors.
Top 10 2018 Dime Errors and Their Values
1. 2018-P Dime Missing Clad Layer Error
This striking error occurs when the outer nickel layer fails to bond properly to the copper core.
- Appearance: Partial or complete exposure of the copper core
- Rarity: Uncommon (estimated 1 in 50,000 coins)
- Value Range: $100 – $500
- Notable Sale: MS64 specimen with partial obverse missing clad sold for $225
Expert Tip: Look for a distinctive orange-red color where the clad layer is missing. Genuine examples will have a sharp delineation between the clad and unclad areas.
2. 2018-P Dime Strike-Through Error
Strike-through errors happen when foreign material comes between the die and the planchet during striking.
- Appearance: Distinct impression or indentation on the coin's surface
- Rarity: Varies (estimated 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 depending on severity)
- Value Range: $50 – $300
- Notable Sale: MS65 specimen with vertical dent from Roosevelt's head to cheek sold for $105
Expert Tip: Use a loupe to examine the strike-through area closely. Genuine errors will often show the texture or pattern of the interfering material.
3. 2018-P Dime Off-Center Error
Off-center errors occur when the planchet is misaligned with the dies during striking.
- Appearance: Design shifted away from the center of the coin
- Rarity: Uncommon for significant off-center (estimated 1 in 25,000)
- Value Range: $15 – $500+
| Off-Center Percentage | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 5-10% | $15-$25 |
| 20-30% | $50-$100 |
| 40-50% | $150-$300 |
| 50%+ | $300-$500+ |
Expert Tip: The most valuable off-center errors retain the full date while showing a significant portion of unstruck planchet.
4. 2018-P Dime Doubled Die Error
Doubled die errors result from misalignment during the die creation process.
- Appearance: Doubling of design elements or lettering
- Rarity: Varies (minor doubling common, major doubling rare)
- Value Range: $5 – $250+
| Doubling Severity | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Minor | $5-$20 |
| Moderate | $25-$75 |
| Major | $100-$250+ |
Expert Tip: Focus on the inscriptions "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date on the obverse, or "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and "ONE DIME" on the reverse for doubling.
5. 2018-P Dime Die Crack Error
Die cracks form when the die used to strike coins develops a crack due to stress and wear.
- Appearance: Raised lines on the coin's surface
- Rarity: Common for minor cracks, rare for major ones
- Value Range: $5 – $600+
- Notable Sale: "Lightning bolt" die crack through Roosevelt's head sold for $600
Expert Tip: Major die cracks that affect key design elements or create interesting patterns are most valuable. Minor die cracks add minimal value.
6. 2018-P Dime Smooth Edge Error (Missing Edge Reeding)
This error occurs when the collar die fails to impart the characteristic reeded edge.
- Appearance: Completely smooth edge instead of reeded
- Rarity: Very rare (estimated 1 in 250,000)
- Value Range: $50 – $300+
Expert Tip: Beware of artificially smoothed edges. Genuine errors will show no signs of tooling and will have a slightly larger diameter than normal dimes.
7. 2018-P Dime Struck on Wrong Planchet
One of the most dramatic errors occurs when a dime is struck on a planchet intended for another denomination.
- Appearance: Incorrect size, weight, or composition
- Rarity: Extremely rare (estimated 1 in 1,000,000+)
- Value Range: $500 – $2000+
- Notable Sale: 2018 dime struck on a steel planchet sold for $1000
| Wrong Planchet Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Cent | $500-$750 |
| Nickel | $600-$900 |
| Foreign Planchet | $800-$1500+ |
Expert Tip: Weigh and measure suspected wrong planchet errors. They should match the specifications of the intended denomination's planchet.
8. 2018-P Dime Feeder Finger Error
This unique error results from a malfunction in the coin feeding mechanism.
- Appearance: Parallel lines or scratches on the coin's surface
- Rarity: Uncommon (estimated 1 in 100,000)
- Value Range: $20 – $75
- Notable Sale: MS63 specimen with prominent feeder finger marks sold for $65
Expert Tip: Look for parallel lines that appear to be impressed into the coin's surface, often across Roosevelt's face on the obverse.
9. 2018-P Dime Die Cud Error
A die cud forms when a piece of the die breaks off during the minting process.
- Appearance: Raised, irregularly shaped blob on the coin's surface
- Rarity: Uncommon (estimated 1 in 50,000)
- Value Range: $15 – $150+
| Cud Size | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Small (1-2mm) | $15-$30 |
| Medium (3-5mm) | $40-$75 |
| Large (6mm+) | $100-$150+ |
Expert Tip: Die cuds are always attached to the rim of the coin. Interior raised blobs are likely to be die chips or other forms of damage.
10. 2018-P Dime Full Bands Error
While not technically an error, Full Bands is a coveted designation for perfectly struck dimes.
- Appearance: Clear, distinct horizontal bands on the torch on the reverse
- Rarity: Uncommon in high grades (estimated 1 in 5,000 for MS65+)
- Value Range: $25 – $150+ for high-grade examples
Expert Tip: Use a loupe to examine the horizontal bands on the torch. All bands should be fully separated and clearly defined for the Full Bands designation.
The Importance of Grading and Authentication
When dealing with valuable coin errors, professional grading and authentication are crucial. Reputable grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) provide expert evaluation and encapsulation, which can significantly impact a coin's marketability and value.
For example, a 2018-P dime with a major doubled die error might be valued at $100 raw, but could fetch $250 or more if graded MS65 by PCGS or NGC. The cost of grading (typically $20-$30 for modern coins) is often well worth it for significant errors.
Collecting Strategies for 2018 Dime Errors
For those interested in building a collection of 2018 dime errors, consider these strategies:
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Start with roll hunting: Purchase rolls of 2018 dimes from banks and carefully examine each coin. This is a low-cost way to potentially find minor errors.
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Attend coin shows: Many dealers at shows specialize in error coins and can offer a wide selection of 2018 dime errors.
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Join numismatic organizations: Groups like the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America (CONECA) offer resources and networking opportunities for error coin enthusiasts.
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Educate yourself: Invest in reference books like "The Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties" and "Strike It Rich with Pocket Change" to hone your error-spotting skills.
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Be patient: Building a comprehensive collection of 2018 dime errors takes time. Don't rush to overpay for errors you're unsure about.
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of 2018 Dime Errors
The world of 2018 dime errors offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of the minting process and the potential for valuable anomalies. From missing clad layers to dramatic wrong planchet strikes, these errors transform ordinary pocket change into sought-after numismatic treasures.
For collectors, the hunt for these errors can be both exciting and rewarding. While some errors like minor die cracks or slight off-center strikes might only add a small premium to a coin's value, others like major doubled dies or wrong planchet strikes can turn a humble dime into a four-figure rarity.
As with all aspects of coin collecting, knowledge is power. By understanding the various types of errors, their causes, and their relative rarity, collectors can make informed decisions and potentially uncover hidden gems in their change or at coin shops.
Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or just beginning to explore the world of coin collecting, the 2018 dime error list offers a rich field for discovery and appreciation. With patience, a keen eye, and a bit of luck, you might just find yourself holding a small piece of minting history worth far more than ten cents. Happy hunting!
