SKH-1c-1952-06 Spike Head

Description

Spiked heads on proof coins are particularly uncommon because proof dies receive more careful preparation and inspection, yet SKH-1c-1952-06 documents exactly such an occurrence on the 1952 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent. A spiked head forms when a die crack or chip near the apex of Lincoln's portrait allows metal to extrude upward under striking pressure, producing a raised protrusion beyond the normal head outline. On proof issues, where dies are polished to a mirror finish and strikes occur at slower speeds with greater pressure, the presence of a spiked head implies the flaw developed after initial die inspection or was deemed too minor to warrant die replacement. The 1952 proof cent was produced exclusively at Philadelphia for annual proof sets, struck in 95% copper and 5% tin-and-zinc on the Wheat Cent reverse designed by Victor David Brenner. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins as the sixth spiked head entry for the 1952 proof date, this variety belongs to the Lincoln Wheat Cents series spanning 1909 through 1958. Collectors should examine the top of Lincoln's head under magnification for the characteristic raised spike against the proof's reflective field.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Newman
• Cross reference: none. 04/02/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References