SKH-1c-1950-10 Spike Head

Description

Preserved on the 1950 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent, this tenth spiked head variety for the date represents a notable intersection of proof coinage and die deterioration. As a proof issue, this coin was struck on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields that make the spike projection from Lincoln's head especially prominent against the reflective surface. The variety is cross-referenced as Cohen Index 50-BA1, notably cataloged within the BIE Section of the Cohen reference — an intriguing placement suggesting the spike may share similar die deterioration mechanisms with the BIE die breaks that form between the letters of LIBERTY. Both spiked heads and BIE die breaks result from die metal failure that produces raised features on the struck coin, and the Cohen catalogers recognized a relationship worth documenting. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this proof spiked head is the tenth documented for the 1950-P date. Proof coins from 1950 were struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, and die varieties on proof coinage carry heightened collector interest due to the low mintages and exceptional detail preservation.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference number: Cohen Index 50-BA1 “BIE Section”. 03/18/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References