SKH-1c-1960D-03(SD) (SD) Spiked Head

Description

Identified by CudsOnCoins as SKH-1c-1960D-03(SD) with a documentation date of April 2, 2017, and no additional cross-reference, this spiked head variety occurs on the 1960-D Lincoln Memorial Cent Small Date. The absence of a Cohen Index or other cross-reference suggests this spiked head was first documented through the CudsOnCoins project. A spiked head results from a die crack or die break that radiates outward from the top of Lincoln's portrait, filling with metal during striking to produce a raised spike or spine extending from the head. The length, direction, and thickness of the spike vary from die to die, and these characteristics serve as the primary diagnostics for distinguishing one spiked head variety from another. On the 1960-D Small Date cent, the Denver Mint's intensive production schedule subjected each die to thousands of striking cycles, and the concentration of stress at the high-relief portrait area frequently led to cracks that propagated outward from the head. Collectors should note the spike's angle and length relative to the surrounding design elements when attributing this variety.

Attribution History

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

External References