SKH-1c-1944D-03 Spiked Head

Description

Carrying Cohen Index 44D-74A and cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this spiked head on the 1944-D Lincoln Wheat Cent is one of several die crack varieties from Denver's wartime production. The 74A designation places this among the higher-numbered entries in the 1944-D die pair sequence, distinct from other spiked heads such as Cohen 44D-71B. Each Cohen number represents a unique die pair, and the letter suffix identifies specific states or sub-varieties within that pairing. Spiked heads occur when a die crack develops from Lincoln's portrait extending upward, creating a raised projection varying in length and prominence depending on the crack pattern and die state. The 1944-D was struck in shell casing brass, a wartime composition recycling spent military cartridge cases, and Denver produced these cents in enormous quantities. This variety contributes to the record of die failures on the 1944-D date, where high production volume, material constraints, and continuous press operation created conditions favorable to die cracks manifesting as spiked heads.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference number: Cohen Index 44D-74A. 06/11/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References