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. Spiked head varieties are among the most visually appealing die crack varieties in the Lincoln cent series, as the projecting feature creates an immediately recognizable anomaly that transforms the familiar portrait. 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. The 1964-D date, with its record Denver Mint output of 3,799,071,500 business strikes, consumed thousands of obverse dies over the course of the year, and the cumulative striking stress ensured that die cracks — including those producing the spiked head effect — were a regular occurrence. Struck on a 95% copper and 5% tin-zinc planchet at 3.11 grams and 19mm diameter.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Frank Waddell
• Cross reference: Cohen Index 64D-72B. 03/15/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References