SKH-1c-1952-04 Spike Head

Description

Listed by the Cuds on Coins catalog as SKH-1c-1952-04, this spiked head variety was discovered on a 1952 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent — a proof-only variety, meaning it occurs on the specially struck proof coins rather than business-strike circulation issues. Cross-referenced as Cohen Index 52-95 (dated June 3, 2016) and Cohen Index 52-57 (dated January 23, 2017), the dual Cohen Index entries connect this variety to the specialized Cohen classification system used for Lincoln Cent proof varieties. A spike head occurs when a die gouge, die crack, or other die anomaly creates a raised protrusion extending from Lincoln's head, giving the appearance of a spike or horn emerging from the portrait — a visually striking variety type that is immediately recognizable and popular among error collectors. Reverse die markers include an interior die break in the right wheat ear, documenting concurrent die deterioration that helps confirm the specific die pair. The Lincoln Wheat Cent was designed by Victor David Brenner for the obverse and struck as a proof at the Philadelphia Mint in 1952 in 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc at 3.11 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. Proof coins from 1952 were produced with polished dies on specially prepared planchets, yielding mirror-like fields that enhance the visibility of any die anomalies including the spike protrusion. The interior die break in the right wheat ear provides a reverse-side confirmation marker for attribution, as the combination of the specific spike head position with the wheat ear break uniquely identifies this die pair among 1952 proof production. The fourth cataloged spike head for the 1952 date indicates multiple proof dies developed similar anomalies during that year's limited proof production.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Christopher Rhodes
• Cross reference number:  Cohen Index 52-95. 06/03/2016. Cross reference number:  Cohen Index 52-95. 06/03/2016. Cross reference: Cohen Index 52-57. 01/23/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References