SKH-25c-1996P-13 Spiked Head

Description

Thirteenth documented spiked head variety for the 1996 Philadelphia Mint Washington Quarter, this coin exhibits a die crack at Washington's eyebrow that extends upward, creating the characteristic spike or horn appearance that gives this variety class its name. Cataloged by the Cuds on Coins research team (documented November 30, 2020) with no other known cross-references, this represents a remarkable concentration of spiked head varieties for a single year — thirteen distinct dies that developed cracks in or near Washington's head area, each following a unique crack path. The die crack at the eyebrow location is particularly noteworthy because it occurs at a point of high design relief where Washington's brow ridge transitions to the recessed field above, creating a geometric stress concentration in the die steel. As the crack widens through continued use, metal flows into the expanding fissure during each strike, building up a raised line that extends from the portrait. The 1996 Philadelphia Mint produced a large volume of quarters, and the concentration of thirteen spiked head varieties suggests either a die steel batch issue or production conditions that promoted crack formation in the head area of the obverse die. John Flanagan's Washington portrait, adapted from Jean-Antoine Houdon's 1786 bust, features detailed hair and facial structure that places significant stress on the die during the striking process, and the eyebrow area — where the deepest cavity in the die transitions sharply to the field — is a particularly common crack initiation site.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jeff Ylitalo
• Cross reference: none. 11/30/2020.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References