SKH-1c-1950-01 Spike Head

Description

The year 1950 marked the first resumption of proof coinage after the Mint suspended proof production from 1943 through 1949 due to the war and its aftermath. Only 51,386 proof sets were struck, making every 1950 proof comparatively scarce. SKH-1c-1950-01, cataloged as Cohen Index 50-54A, documents a spike head die crack on one of these proof Lincoln Wheat Cents. The spike — a raised fin projecting from Lincoln's head — appears especially dramatic on proof surfaces because mirror-like fields provide stark contrast against the raised anomaly. Proof dies receive more careful preparation than business strike dies, yet they remain susceptible to fatigue cracks. The proof striking process, which uses multiple impressions at higher pressure for full detail and mirror finish, can actually accelerate crack propagation once a fissure initiates. Cohen 50-54A places this variety within the documentation of 1950 proof die pairs, a date whose low mintage and historical importance as the proof resumption year ensure sustained collector interest.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference number: Cohen Index 50-54A. 03/17/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References