SKH-1c-1950-08 Spiked Head

Description

Die deterioration follows predictable patterns in hardened steel coinage dies: microscopic fatigue cracks nucleate at stress concentration points, then propagate outward along grain boundaries under the repeated impact of striking operations — and when one of these fracture paths intersects Lincoln's portrait on a Wheat Cent die, the result is a spiked head variety like SKH-1c-1950-08. Cataloged in the Cuds on Coins registry without a Cohen Index assignment, this 1950 business strike Lincoln Wheat Cent demonstrates how die cracking is an inevitable consequence of the mechanical stresses inherent in coin production. The portrait area of Lincoln's head contains abrupt transitions between high-relief design elements and the surrounding field, creating geometric stress risers where cracks preferentially initiate. Once a crack opens through the portrait, each subsequent strike forces planchet metal into the widening fissure, gradually building up the raised spike that gives these varieties their name. The 1950 Lincoln Cent was produced at the Philadelphia Mint during the post-war era, when high demand for circulating coinage drove extensive die consumption. Business strike spiked heads from this date compete for collector attention with the proof spiked heads produced during the same year — 1950 being the first year proof production resumed after the wartime hiatus.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference number: Cohen Index Not Listed. 03/18/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References