1964 (D) Lincoln Memorial Cent - SKH-1c-1964D-01 Spiked Head

Description

Cross-referenced as Cohen Index 64D-72B (cataloged 03/15/2017), the SKH-1c-1964D-01 Spiked Head documents a die crack or die chip anomaly that creates a distinctive raised projection extending from the top of Lincoln's head on the obverse. The "spiked head" phenomenon occurs when a die crack develops in the area immediately above or around Lincoln's portrait, oriented in a direction that produces a raised spike, horn, or antenna-like feature projecting outward from the head. These cracks form due to stress concentration in the die steel around the high-relief areas of the portrait design, where the depth of the engraving creates localized weakness in the die face. When the crack fills with metal during striking, the result is a thin, raised line that appears to project from Lincoln's head — a feature dramatic enough to be visible without magnification on well-preserved specimens. The Cohen Index cross-reference (64D-72B) connects this variety to the systematic die crack catalog maintained for Lincoln cents, providing collectors with a standardized attribution framework. Struck on a 95% copper and 5% zinc planchet at 3.11 grams and 19.05 mm diameter.

Cross References

• Cross reference: Cohen Index 64D-72B. 03/15/2017.

External References