1964 Lincoln Memorial Cent - SKH-1c-1964-02 Spiked Head

Description

A spiked head variety features a raised projection extending from Lincoln's portrait, caused by a die crack or chip that creates a void in the die steel. During striking, planchet metal flows into the void under extreme pressure, forming a spike that appears as a raised protrusion on the finished coin. The size and direction of the spike depend on the geometry of the die damage: a narrow crack produces a thin, blade-like projection, while a broader chip creates a wider, more rounded bump. Cross-referenced as Cohen Index 64-73 with a documentation date of 02/14/2017. Spiked head varieties are visually accessible, as the spike is often visible to the unaided eye without magnification, making them popular entry points into the world of die variety collecting. Attributed by Cuds on Coins. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint on a 95% copper, 5% zinc planchet weighing 3.11 grams at 19.05 mm diameter.

Cross References

• Cross reference: Cohen Index 64-73. 02/14/2017.

External References