1995 (P) Jefferson Nickel - SKH-5c-1995P-05 & 06 Spiked Head

Description

Cataloged as the fifth spiked head variety for the 1995 Philadelphia Jefferson nickel, SKH-5c-1995P-05 records another die chip anomaly within the portrait area of Felix Schlag's nickel design. The spiked head phenomenon on Jefferson nickels occurs when a small fragment of hardened die steel separates from the incuse cavity that forms Jefferson's portrait — particularly around the crown of the head, forehead, or hair detail — leaving a void that fills with planchet metal during striking and produces a raised spike or protrusion on the finished coin. Philadelphia produced approximately 774.2 million nickels in 1995, a substantial mintage that subjected obverse dies to millions of striking cycles and increased the probability of localized die chipping. The designation follows the Cuds on Coins convention: SKH for spiked head, 5c for the five-cent denomination, 1995P for date and mint, and 05 indicating this is the fifth distinct spiked head die documented for this issue. The existence of at least five cataloged spiked head dies on the 1995-P nickel alone demonstrates how prevalent this failure mode became on Jefferson nickel dies during the mid-1990s — a period when the composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) and striking pressures combined with the fine detail of Schlag's portrait to create conditions favorable to die surface chipping. Each numbered spiked head represents a different working die with a unique chip location, size, and orientation, making them independently attributable varieties. Collectors seeking this variety should examine the area around Jefferson's head under 5-10x magnification, looking for a distinct raised projection that interrupts the normal portrait contour.

External References