SKH-1c-1991-04 Spiked Head

Description

Identifying a spiked head variety requires careful visual examination, and SKH-1c-1991-04 of the 1991 Lincoln Memorial cent — reported on August 13, 2016 — serves as a useful case study in detection methodology. Under 5x to 10x magnification, a genuine spiked head appears as a thin, sharp raised line projecting from Lincoln's head into the surrounding field, with consistent metal flow character along its length. The spike typically tapers from a wider base at the portrait boundary to a finer point extending into the field, following the geometry of the underlying die crack. Lighting angle is critical for detection: raking light directed at a low angle across the coin's surface creates shadows that make even subtle spikes visible against the flat field. Collectors must also distinguish genuine spiked heads from post-mint damage such as scratches, contact marks, or corrosion products that can mimic the appearance of a spike. The key differentiator is that a genuine spiked head exhibits the same raised, flow-line character as the surrounding design elements — it was formed during the striking process — while post-mint damage typically shows a different surface texture or displaced metal character. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, weighing 2.5 grams and measuring 19mm.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Earl M
• Cross reference: none. 08/13/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References