1998 (P) Jefferson Nickel - SKH-5c-1998P-04 Spiked Head

Description

Combining a spiked head variety with secondary die damage, SKH-5c-1998P-04 on the 1998 Philadelphia Jefferson Nickel presents collectors with a multi-feature error coin. The primary classification — spiked head — refers to a raised spike from Jefferson's portrait on the obverse, typically caused by a die gouge during die preparation. Additionally, this variety exhibits a die crack running from the left base of Monticello on the reverse to the rim, a secondary failure indicating progressive stress damage within the reverse die. The 1998-P Jefferson Nickel was struck in the standard 75% copper, 25% nickel composition that has defined the denomination since 1866, as part of the original Felix Schlag design series that ran from 1938 through 2003. Die cracks extending from a design element to the rim are common on nickel five-cent pieces because the hard cupro-nickel alloy transmits significant striking force back into the die, accelerating fatigue crack propagation. This combination of obverse and reverse anomalies on a single coin adds variety interest beyond what either feature would provide alone. Documented by the Cuds on Coins project.

Cross References

• Cross reference: none. 06/26/2017.

External References