SKH-10c-1940S-01 Spiked Head

Description

Cataloged as the first spiked head variety for the 1940-S Mercury Dime, SKH-10c-1940S-01 records a die crack or break at Liberty's head on Adolph Weinman's Winged Liberty obverse that transfers as a raised spike-like protrusion on struck coins. The 1940-S date produced at least four cataloged spiked heads (including SKH-01, SKH-03, and SKH-04), suggesting that San Francisco Mint working dies for this date were particularly susceptible to cracking in the head region. As the first sequence entry, SKH-01 was either the first discovered or represents the most prominent example among the 1940-S spiked heads. Each numbered entry documents a different working die with its own unique crack pattern — the spike's length, angle, and precise origin point on the head vary from die to die, providing differentiation for collectors who specialize in this error type. The Mercury Dime ran from 1916 to 1945, and the 1940-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 90% silver at 2.5 grams with a mintage of 21,560,000. The catalog code follows Cuds on Coins format: SKH for spiked head, 10c for denomination, 1940S for year and mint, and 01 for sequence. Examine the area around Liberty's head and winged cap for the raised spike that defines this variety.

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