The Great Canadian Dime Caper: Ottawa vs. Philly, 1968 Edition!
Ah, the humble Canadian dime. Often lost in the couch cushions, mistaken for parking meter fodder, yet a fascinating little piece of history! But did you know that a 1968 dime could hold a secret more exciting than a winning lottery ticket (well, almost as exciting)? It all boils down to a tale of two cities: Ottawa and Philadelphia. Buckle up, coin enthusiasts (and curious minds alike) for we're about to delve into the riveting world of dime differentiation!
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| A 1968 CANADIAN DIME PHILADELPHIA vs OTTAWA What is The Difference Between A 1968 CANADIAN DIME PHILADELPHIA And OTTAWA |
The Plot Thickens: A Tale of Two Mints
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
In 1968, Canada needed more dimes than the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) in Ottawa could crank out on their own. So, they enlisted the help of their friendly neighbors down south – the guys at the Philadelphia Mint. Here's where things get interesting: the two mints didn't exactly see eye-to-eye (or should we say, rim-to-rim) on how to make those dime edges.
The Smoking Gun: It's All in the Reeding, Eh?
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
The key difference between these dimes lies on their edges, a fancy term collectors call the "reeding." Ottawa favored a sharp, V-shaped reeding, giving the edge a more defined look. Philly, on the other hand, was all about a more relaxed, flat-bottomed reeding, much like the American dimes they were used to making.
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
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So, Does it Matter?
Well, for everyday transactions, not a wink. Both dimes are perfectly valid (though good luck buying anything with a dime these days!). But for coin collectors, this little minting mystery can make a big difference. The Philadelphia dimes are slightly rarer, making them more valuable to collectors.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
But Wait, There's More! The Not-So-Secret Silver Surprise
Hold on a sec, coin cadets! Before you raid your piggy bank, there's one more wrinkle. 1968 was a transitional year for Canadian dimes. Early in the year, they were still made of silver (fancy!). So, if your 1968 dime has a nice, hefty feel to it, you might be holding onto a little piece of silver treasure! But those silver fellas won't have the whole Philadelphia vs. Ottawa reeding drama – that only applies to the later nickel dimes.
Frequently Asked Questions (The Dime Down-Low)
- How to tell if my 1968 dime is silver? The easiest way is the weight test. Silver dimes are heavier than nickel ones. A magnet test also works – a silver dime won't stick!
- How much is a 1968 Philadelphia dime worth? The value depends on condition, but it can be worth a few dollars more than a regular 1968 dime.
- How do I find out the reeding on my dime? A magnifying glass is your friend! Look at the edge closely – sharp V's mean Ottawa, flat bottoms mean Philly.
- Where can I learn more about coin collecting? There are many resources online and local coin clubs you can join.
- Is it okay to clean my old coins? Generally, no! Cleaning can actually damage the value.
So, the next time you find a 1968 dime, take a closer look! You might just have a little piece of Canadian minting history in your hand. And hey, even if it's not a rare treasure, it's still a reminder of the fascinating stories everyday objects can hold. Happy hunting!
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