SKH-1c-1964D-02 Spiked Head

Description

Cross-referenced as Cohen Index 64D-53 (cataloged 05/11/2018), the SKH-1c-1964D-02 is the second cataloged spiked head variety for the 1964-D Lincoln Memorial Cent. Like all spiked head varieties, it features a raised projection extending from Lincoln's head caused by a die crack or die chip that developed in the die steel surrounding the portrait. The specific Cohen Index number (64D-53) places this variety within the broader die crack cataloging system for 1964-D cents, where it is distinguished from SKH-1c-1964D-01 (Cohen 64D-72B) by the position, angle, and character of the spike itself. Each spiked head variety represents a unique die crack on a specific working die, and since die cracks follow the internal grain structure and stress patterns of the individual die steel, no two spiked heads are identical in their exact geometry. The spiked head effect is particularly associated with the Lincoln cent design because Victor David Brenner's high-relief portrait creates deep recesses in the die face that concentrate striking stress, making the area around Lincoln's head especially prone to cracking. Collectors prize spiked head varieties for their visual drama — the projecting spike transforms the familiar portrait into something immediately unusual — and for their relative accessibility compared to many other die variety types. The 1964-D cent's immense mintage of 3,799,071,500 business strikes at the Denver Mint ensured abundant die consumption and correspondingly numerous opportunities for die crack formation. Struck on a 95% copper and 5% tin-zinc planchet weighing 3.11 grams at 19mm diameter.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Nolan Workman
• Cross reference: Cohen Index 64D-53. 05/11/2018.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References