1996 (P) Washington Quarter - SKH-25c-1996P-09 Spiked Head

Description

Die stress concentrations vary with each working die, producing spiked head varieties that differ in spike location, length, and direction even within the same date and mint. SKH-25c-1996P-09 represents the ninth cataloged spiked head variety from the 1996 Philadelphia Washington Quarter — a testament to the volume of dies consumed in production and the frequency with which this form of deterioration occurred. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this variety comes from a distinct die that developed its own unique pattern of metal flow as repeated striking cycles created stress fractures emanating from Washington's portrait. The relatively high sequential number among 1996-P spiked heads indicates this was a well-studied date, with variety specialists systematically documenting each die that exhibited the characteristic protruding spikes. Collectors often assemble sets of spiked head varieties by date, seeking specimens where the spikes are most pronounced and visually dramatic.

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