SKH-25c-1996P-01 Spiked Head

Description

Spiked head varieties arise when progressive die deterioration creates raised, spike-like protrusions extending from high-relief design elements — most characteristically from Washington's head on quarter dollars. SKH-25c-1996P-01 is the first cataloged spiked head variety on the 1996 Philadelphia-minted Washington Quarter, documenting a specific die that developed this distinctive form of deterioration. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, each spiked head receives a unique number because the spikes originate from different points and extend in different directions depending on where the die metal fatigued. The 1996 Washington Quarter, part of the final years of the traditional clad quarter design before the State Quarters program began in 1999, saw substantial production volumes that accelerated die wear. Spiked heads are most visible in the area around Washington's hair and crown, where the high relief creates the greatest stress on the die face during repeated striking cycles.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Sandy Peters
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References