1995 (P) Jefferson Nickel - SKH-5c-1995P-02 Spiked Head

Description

Second spiked head documented for the 1995 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel, this variety was recorded by Cuds on Coins on March 21, 2016 — the same documentation date as the first 1995-P spiked head, suggesting both varieties were cataloged during a single research session examining 1995-P nickels. The simultaneous documentation of two spiked heads indicates that the researcher had access to multiple specimens showing different spikes, confirming that at least two separate obverse dies cracked into the bust during 1995-P nickel production. Spiked heads on Jefferson Nickels are die cracks that run from the rim into the bust, creating a raised spike on Jefferson's portrait. No cross-references to other classification systems are known for SKH-5c-1995P-02. Philadelphia Mint nickel production in 1995 maintained the volumes needed to supply the national coin supply, consuming a large number of die pairs. The second spiked head for 1995-P stands as a straightforward die crack variety on a date that resonates throughout American numismatics for entirely different reasons.

Cross References

• Cross reference: none. 03/21/2016.

External References