SKH-1c-1959-04 Spike Head

Description

Cataloged in December 2024 — making it one of the most recently documented entries in the spike head series — this fourth proof spike head for the 1959 Lincoln Memorial Cent demonstrates that die variety research remains active more than sixty-five years after these coins were struck. A spike head forms when foreign matter lodges in the die cavity near Lincoln's portrait, creating a raised protrusion on the proof coin's surface. The very recent cataloging date contrasts with the 1959 production year, showing that previously unexamined specimens continue to expand the known catalog. SKH-1c-1959-04 is cataloged by Cuds on Coins and is not listed in the Cohen Index. The 1959 proof cent is the inaugural Memorial reverse proof issue, and four documented spike heads from this first-year production suggest die fill events were not uncommon during the initial proof runs. Each proof coin was struck on specially prepared planchets using polished dies, yet the die fill mechanism is not eliminated by proof techniques — foreign matter can intrude during any phase of production. Collectors pursuing proof spike head sets will find the 1959 date a productive starting point.

Attribution History

• Discovered by William (Bill) W
• Cross reference number:  Cohen not listed. 12/30/2024.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References