SKH-10c-1982P-01 Spiked Head

Description

Cataloged as SKH-10c-1982P-01, this 1982 Philadelphia Roosevelt Dime exhibits a spiked head — a die chip variety where a small fragment of die steel broke away near the top of Roosevelt's head, leaving a void that filled with metal during striking to produce a raised spike projecting from the portrait. Spiked heads are among the most visually dramatic die chip varieties because their position atop the president's head creates an immediately recognizable anomaly, sometimes called a "unicorn" effect by collectors. Unlike doubled dies or repunched mintmarks that originate during die preparation, spiked heads are progressive die deterioration varieties — the spike may grow larger on later strikes as additional die metal fractures around the initial chip. John R. Sinnock's Roosevelt portrait, introduced in 1946 to honor the recently deceased president, was in its thirty-seventh year on copper-nickel clad planchets at 17.9mm. Examine the top of Roosevelt's head for the raised spike projecting upward from the portrait.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jason Coplin
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References