1944 Lincoln Wheat Cent - SKH-1c-1944-04 Spiked Head

Description

Fourth cataloged spiked head for the 1944 Philadelphia Lincoln Wheat Cent, SKH-1c-1944-04 is cross-referenced as Cohen Index 44-85B. The 1944 date holds special compositional significance — it marks the return to a copper-based alloy after the zinc-coated steel planchets of 1943, with 1944 cents struck on planchets made from recycled shell casings salvaged from wartime munitions production. This recycled composition introduced metallurgical variability that may have influenced die-to-coin interactions. A spiked head occurs when a gouge, chip, or other damage on the die surface near Lincoln's portrait creates a raised metallic projection on struck coins, ranging from a subtle filament to a prominent spike. The Cohen Index 44-85B designation places this variety within the comprehensive Cohen cataloging system for Lincoln Cent die anomalies, where the "B" suffix indicates a specific die state or sub-classification. Philadelphia Mint production during wartime demanded high output, accelerating die wear. Cataloged and verified by Cuds on Coins.

Cross References

• Cross reference number: Cohen Index 44-85B. 06/04/2016.

External References