SKH-1c-1950-05 Spiked Head

Description

Two independent Cohen Index entries — 50-55 and 50-64 — cross-reference this spiked head variety on the 1950 Lincoln Wheat Cent, suggesting the die crack responsible for the spike aligns with diagnostics cataloged under both designations. A spiked head occurs when a die crack propagates into the portrait area of Lincoln's head, creating a raised spike-like projection on the struck coin extending outward from the bust. The visual effect is immediate: a thin metallic sliver protruding from Lincoln's forehead, temple, or crown, depending on the crack's trajectory through the die steel. Dual Cohen Index cross-references indicate that researchers cataloged this die under two separate entries, possibly reflecting different stages of the same die crack's progression or overlapping classification criteria within the Cohen system. The 1950 Philadelphia Wheat Cent was produced in quantity — over 272 million struck — placing this date in the final decade of the Wheat reverse design that had served since 1909. Spiked head varieties from late-date Wheat Cents are popular because they combine visual drama with relative affordability compared to earlier Lincoln Cent die varieties.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference number: Cohen Index 50-55. 03/18/2016. Cross reference number: Cohen Index 50-64. 03/18/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References