SKH-1c-1955-03 Spike Head

Description

The third spiked head variety documented for the 1955 Lincoln Wheat Cent, SKH-1c-1955-03 records a die crack extending from Lincoln's head on the standard bronze composition — a markedly different context from the 1943 steel cent spiked heads that dominate this error category. While 1955 bronze planchets (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc at 3.11 grams) were gentler on dies than wartime steel, the Philadelphia Mint's production still generated die failures including the characteristic head-top cracks that produce the spike effect. The year 1955 is one of the most celebrated in the Lincoln Cent series for an entirely different reason: the famous 1955 Doubled Die Obverse, arguably the most recognized die variety in all of American numismatics. The spiked head varieties from the same year, while far less publicized, reward attentive cherrypickers who examine 1955 cents beyond the well-known DDO. Victor David Brenner's Lincoln portrait, by this point in continuous use for forty-six years, was approaching the end of its pairing with the wheat ears reverse — the Memorial reverse would replace it in 1959. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins as SKH (spike head), 1c (cent), 1955 (year), 03 (third documented). Examine the top of Lincoln's head under magnification for the raised spike protruding into the field.

External References