SKH-1c-1950-07 Spike Head

Description

Seventh spiked head variety documented for the 1950 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent, SKH-1c-1950-07 is notable for its occurrence on a proof striking rather than a business strike. Proof coins were produced at the Philadelphia Mint using specially prepared dies and polished planchets, struck multiple times at lower speed to achieve mirror-like surfaces and sharp design detail. Die chips on proof dies are particularly interesting because the careful die preparation process should theoretically minimize surface defects — yet the stress of multiple strikes per coin and the precision expectations of proof production could expose microscopic flaws in the die steel. The 1950 proof cent had a mintage of only 51,386 pieces, part of a proof set offered directly to collectors. Cross-referenced to two Cohen Index entries — one listed as "Not Listed" and another as Cohen Index 50-71B — both documented on March 18, 2016, this dual attribution reflects the evolving nature of die variety catalogs where new discoveries may initially fall outside existing classification frameworks before receiving formal designations. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, spiked head varieties on proof Lincoln Cents appeal to collectors who appreciate the irony of a die defect appearing on coins specifically manufactured for numismatic perfection.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference number: Cohen Index Not Listed. 03/18/2016. Cross reference number: Cohen Index 50-71B. 03/18/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References