Posted 08/29/2008 11:12 pm
The thickened letters are a result of die fatigue. Weakness of the design in the SE quadrant of the reverse is due to metal rising into the area of Roosevelt's head. Weakness at the periphery is due to excessive die convexity (a design flaw) and inadequate upset (a planchet flaw). Your coin is actually well-struck for this year and mint. 1985-D dimes are notorious for a poorly struck design rim and peripheral letters that fade out as they approach that rim.
Error coin writer and researcher.
