1980 (D) Lincoln Memorial Cent - SKH-1c-1980D-01 Spiked Head

Description

Designated SKH-1c-1980D-01 by Cuds on Coins and dated December 2, 2020 in the catalog records, this spiked head variety documents a die crack or die gouge that extends upward from Lincoln's head on a 1980 Denver Mint Lincoln Memorial cent. Spiked head varieties are visually striking — the term describes any raised line of metal projecting from Lincoln's portrait, typically from the top of the head or forehead area, created when a crack or gouge in the die allows planchet metal to flow into the void during striking. The resulting spike can range from a subtle hair-thin line to a dramatic projection that extends well into the field above Lincoln's bust, and particularly prominent examples have earned colorful collector nicknames. The mechanism is straightforward: as the obverse die accumulates fatigue damage, cracks may develop along stress concentration lines radiating outward from high-relief design elements. SKH-1c-1980D-01 carries no additional cross-references beyond its Cuds on Coins designation. The 1980-D cent was struck from the standard 95% copper alloy at the Denver Mint. Attribution by Cuds on Coins.

Cross References

• Cross reference: none. 12/02/2020.

External References