1995 (P) Lincoln Memorial Cent - SKH-1c-1995-08 Spike Head

Description

Identifying SKH-1c-1995-08 requires distinguishing a genuine die-caused spike from post-mint damage that can superficially resemble it on 1995 Philadelphia Lincoln cents. A true spike head is a raised, sharp, linear protrusion originating at or near the portrait and running in a direction determined by the die crack's path — post-mint damage tends to produce gouges or displaced metal that is uneven in width and shows directionality inconsistent with minting pressure. Environmental damage such as corrosion can create raised areas but lacks the clean, linear character of a die crack's impression. Spike heads on 1995 cents warrant careful authentication because the year's high mintage produced many heavily circulated examples with surface marks from decades of pocket wear, and the zinc-core composition means worn examples may also show edge seam separation unrelated to a spike. SKH-1c-1995-08 is cataloged by Cuds on Coins as the eighth verified die in the 1995 Philadelphia series, confirmed as a genuine die-caused feature.

Cross References

• Cross reference: none. 12/15/2016.

External References