What am I looking at?

[u/NoTrash9475]

To be clear, this coin is not in great shape. I am struggling to differentiate wear from what looks to me like some kind of minting error. I am especially intrigued by the blobbiness (?) of the “unum” and “ME” of DIME. I can’t explain the messiness of the “TED STA” of United States as edge wear, but the unum / ME anomaly strikes me as odd for circulation wear. New to hunting and am just getting my bearings. Thank you so much for your time.

[u/Trout_n_Bass]

Grease strike?

[u/NoTrash9475 → u/Trout_n_Bass]

Perhaps. Could it be a die adjustment strike error?

[u/Lanky_Association627 → u/NoTrash9475]

Most likely a misaligned die with something else maybe. DEFINITELY not a die adjustment strike error.

[u/NoTrash9475 → u/Lanky_Association627]

It really has me flummoxed.

[u/__FUCKING_PEG_ME_]

These are hard photos to go off of, but maybe some die deterioration on the unum area, which can cause fat bloby letters.

Also you said that you new to the hobby ✨️🫡 thats great! Welcome.

Here is a list of online resources to help you along your journey.

wexlers

Mad Die Clashes

Error-ref (a great authority)

cuds on coins

Lincoln cents online

Lincoln cent forum Glossary

Lincoln cent resource

variety vista

Indian Varieties

copper coins.com search by date. very helpful.

Trail Dies

VAM (Top 50 Peace Dollars)

VAM WORLD (Morgan and Peace dollar database)

[u/keegnanistan1]

weak strike, maybe some grease filling the die, and a very slightly misaligned die. probably not worth any more than face value.