SKH-1c-1943S-02 Spiked Head

Description

Among the zinc-coated steel cents struck at San Francisco during 1943, the SKH-1c-1943S-02 Spiked Head represents the second cataloged spiked head variety for this wartime date and mint combination. The spiked head phenomenon occurs when a die clash transfers a portion of the reverse design into the obverse die — specifically, a segment of the wheat ear or rim element impresses into the die steel near Lincoln's head, creating a raised spike-like projection that extends from or near Lincoln's portrait on subsequently struck coins. San Francisco produced approximately 191.6 million steel cents in 1943, part of the nationwide effort to conserve copper for military ordnance and communications wire during World War II. The low-carbon steel planchets were coated with zinc to prevent corrosion, and these harder blanks imposed greater stress on coining dies than the standard bronze composition, accelerating both die wear and the frequency of die clashes that produce spiked head varieties. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins with no known cross-references to other attribution systems, SKH-1c-1943S-02 joins an extensive census of spiked head varieties on 1943 steel cents — a date where the combination of high production volume, hard planchet material, and aggressive die utilization created ideal conditions for clash-related varieties. Collectors searching for this variety should examine the area around Lincoln's head — particularly the top, forehead, and back of the skull — under 10-15x magnification, looking for a thin raised line or spike that projects outward from the portrait in a direction consistent with a transferred reverse design element. The spike will appear on every coin struck from the affected die, replicating in the same position and orientation across all specimens.

Attribution History

• Cross reference: none.  02/17/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References