SKH-10c-1918D-01 Spiked Head

Description

The first spiked head variety cataloged for the 1918-D Mercury Dime, SKH-10c-1918D-01 documents a die crack or die break on or near the head of Adolph Weinman's Winged Liberty that creates a raised spike-like protrusion emanating from Liberty's head on struck coins. The "spiked head" designation derives from the distinctive visual effect: the die crack runs from the head area outward, and on the struck coin the crack transfers as a raised line that resembles a spike or thorn projecting from Liberty's winged cap. This error type is specific to the Mercury Dime series, where the compact head design with its delicate winged cap provides the anatomical context for the dramatic visual. Die cracks in this location develop as the working die fatigues under repeated striking, and the head area — with its fine engraved detail and proximity to the rim — represents a stress concentration zone. The 1918-D was struck at the Denver Mint in 90% silver at 2.5 grams during the World War I era, with a mintage of 22,674,800 dimes. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins under the format SKH (spiked head), 10c (dime denomination), 1918D (year and mintmark), and 01 (first sequence). Look for the raised spike projecting from Liberty's head area to identify this variety.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jeff Ylitalo
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References