SKH-1c-1950-02 Spike Head

Description

Proof dies are typically replaced more frequently than business strike dies, cycled out after a small number of impressions to maintain mirror finish and sharp detail. Despite shorter die runs, spike head cracks still develop — a testament to the stresses that even limited proof production imposes on die steel. SKH-1c-1950-02, bearing Cohen Index 50-59A, is the second cataloged spike head die for the 1950 proof Lincoln Wheat Cent, confirming that multiple proof obverse dies developed this failure during the year's production of just 51,386 sets. Multiple spike head proof dies for a single date underscore how die fatigue is driven by stress concentration rather than sheer volume. The high-relief transitions around Lincoln's portrait create natural weak points where cracks initiate regardless of how many coins a die has struck. Each die exhibits a unique crack signature — varying in position, angle, and extent — making attribution to a specific Cohen number essential for accurate identification and set completion by variety collectors.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference number: Cohen Index 50-59A. 03/17/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References