SKH-1c-1959-03 Spike Head

Description

Third documented spike head for the 1959 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent, this variety adds to the record of die fill events during the inaugural proof production of Frank Gasparro's Memorial reverse design. A spike head occurs when foreign matter becomes lodged in the die cavity near Lincoln's portrait, and the void transfers as a raised spike onto each proof coin struck until the debris clears. Gasparro's Memorial reverse debuted in 1959, replacing Victor David Brenner's Wheat Ears motif that had served since 1909, and proof dies bearing the new reverse were prepared for the first time that year at Philadelphia. SKH-1c-1959-03 is cataloged by Cuds on Coins and is not listed in the Cohen Index. Three spike heads on proof dies from the first year of a new reverse design is noteworthy — whether the new die preparation process contributed to susceptibility or whether collector interest in first-year proofs led to more thorough examination is an open question. Each spike head is identified by the position, angle, and length of the spike relative to Lincoln's portrait, distinguishing one from another.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Robert Oney
• Cross reference number:  Cohen not listed. 04/09/2020.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References