SKH-25c-1996P-15 Spiked Head

Description

Representing the fifteenth documented spiked head variety for the 1996 Philadelphia Mint Washington Quarter, SKH-25c-1996P-15 originated from a different die than the fourteenth entry, confirming that multiple obverse dies developed similar radial cracks during production. The spike effect results from a die crack emanating from Washington's head, creating a raised line that projects outward from the portrait on struck coins. Die cracks on both obverse and reverse are documented in reference images, with white arrows marking their positions to guide attribution. The abundance of spiked head varieties for 1996-P reflects high production volumes, where numerous working dies were pushed through their full service life and beyond, developing the characteristic radial fractures that create spike anomalies. Each spiked head variety originates from a unique die with its own specific crack pattern, and careful comparison of crack length, direction, and position distinguishes one catalog entry from another. Collectors pursuing a comprehensive set of 1996-P spiked heads will find the white-arrow diagnostics essential for separating number 15 from its closely related counterparts.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jody Taylor
• Cross reference: none. 11/01/2021.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References