SKH-25c-1995P-02 Spiked Head

Description

Die crack through the numeral 1 in the date, marked by white arrows in the original documentation, accompanies this spiked head variety on the 1995-P Washington Quarter, where a die gouge or crack at Washington's head creates a spike-like protrusion extending from the portrait. Spiked head varieties form when a die crack or die gouge develops at the boundary of the portrait design, allowing metal to flow into the crack during striking and producing a distinctive pointed extension from the head — a visually dramatic error that collectors can identify without magnification on well-preserved specimens. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins as SKH-25c-1995P-02, the second documented spiked head for the 1995-P date, with no additional cross-references in other attribution systems and a catalog date of January 7, 2021. The Washington Quarter's continuous production since 1932 has generated spiked head varieties across many dates, with the portrait's detailed hair curls and cap providing natural locations where die cracks can create spike effects. Philadelphia's 1995 quarter production was substantial, running high-speed presses that subjected dies to progressive deterioration. The die crack on the 1 in the date represents a secondary diagnostic separate from the spiked head itself, indicating this die had developed multiple structural issues that collectively document its progression toward terminal failure during the 1995 production run.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Robert Oney
• Cross reference: none. 01/07/2021.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References