SKH-1c-1969D-02 Spiked Head

Description

Documented on February 14, 2017 — just three weeks after the first spiked head for this date — SKH-1c-1969D-02 represents the second cataloged instance of a die gouge projecting from Lincoln's portrait on the 1969-D Lincoln Memorial cent. Each spiked head variety is unique to the specific die that sustained the damage, meaning that while the visual effect is similar across all ten documented 1969-D spiked heads, the precise position, angle, and length of the spike differs on every die. Collectors who examine the spike's clock position relative to Lincoln's profile can distinguish between varieties: some project straight upward from the crown, others angle forward from the forehead, and still others emerge laterally from the brow or temple. The rapid succession of discoveries in early 2017 (varieties 01 and 02 were reported within weeks of each other) likely reflects increased collector attention to this die variety class rather than a sudden production anomaly at the Denver facility. No cross-references to other attribution services exist. Spiked heads remain popular with variety collectors because they combine striking visual drama with modest cost — most trade for just a few dollars in circulated grades.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Claude Butcher
• Cross reference: none. 02/14/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References