1964 Lincoln Memorial Cent - SKH-1c-1964-03 Spiked Head

Description

A spiked head is a die deterioration variety where a crack or chip in the die near Lincoln's portrait creates a raised spike-like protrusion on the struck coin. The formation mechanism is straightforward: the enormous pressures of the coining process — exceeding 40 tons per strike — gradually weaken the hardened die steel through metal fatigue, and when a small fragment finally fractures and separates, the resulting void in the die face fills with planchet metal during each subsequent strike. The spike appears as a raised feature on the coin, projecting from Lincoln's head in a direction and shape determined by the geometry of the die damage. Cross-referenced as Cohen Index 64-55 with a documentation date of 01/26/2021. The relatively recent documentation date of 2021 underscores that the 1964 Lincoln cent continues to yield new variety discoveries as collectors and researchers examine fresh populations of coins from original rolls, bags, and collections that enter the market. 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 64-55. 01/26/2021.

External References