SKH-25c-1999P-04(GA) Spiked Head

Description

Identified as SKH-25c-1999P-04(GA), this 1999-P Georgia State Quarter exhibits a spiked head — a distinctive die crack that extends upward from the top of George Washington's head on the obverse, creating a horn-like or spike-like projection. Spiked heads result from stress fractures in the die that radiate outward from high-relief design elements, and Washington's portrait is particularly susceptible to this type of failure. The "(GA)" designation identifies this as specific to the Georgia reverse, which was the very first State Quarter issued when the 50 State Quarters Program launched in 1999. This variety is the fourth cataloged spiked head for the 1999-P Georgia issue. The coin also displays reverse die cracks, documenting progressive deterioration on both sides of the die pair. Spiked head varieties became one of the most widely collected error types during the State Quarters era, as their visual impact and relative accessibility made them appealing to both new and experienced collectors. The Georgia quarter, as the inaugural issue in the program, holds particular cachet among State Quarter specialists, and die varieties from this debut issue remain in steady demand.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Pietro Terranova
• Cross reference: none. Note: Reverse Die Cracks “Black Arrows”. 10/12/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References