SKH-1c-1983D-01 Spiked Head

Description

Cross-referenced to JCc-1983D_022 in the JCc catalog system, SKH-1c-1983D-01 documents the first spiked head variety cataloged on the 1983 Denver Lincoln Memorial cent. Spiked head errors occur when a die crack or die break extends from the top of Lincoln's head upward toward the rim, creating a raised spike or horn-like protrusion that gives the portrait an unmistakable visual signature. These varieties occupy a distinctive niche in Lincoln cent collecting because they combine the mechanical fascination of die failure analysis with an immediately recognizable visual effect — the spike transforms Lincoln's familiar profile into something startling and dramatic, making spiked heads among the most popular die break varieties with collectors at every level. The spike's length, width, angle, and position relative to the top of the head all serve as attribution diagnostics that distinguish one spiked head variety from another within a given date. On the 1983-D copper-plated zinc planchet, the raised spike fills the die crack with metal during striking, producing a protrusion whose surface matches the surrounding copper tone. The JCc-1983D_022 cross-reference links this census entry to an independent attribution framework, providing researchers with a second pathway for locating and verifying this specific variety. Attribution by Cuds on Coins.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference: JCc-1983D_022. 03/01/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References