SKH-25c-2000P-03(SC) Spiked Head

Description

Third cataloged spiked head variety on the 2000 Philadelphia South Carolina State Quarter, the SKH-25c-2000P-03(SC) features a die crack extending from Washington's head that creates a spike-like protrusion — an angular raised line interrupting the clean contour of the portrait. Spiked heads form when a stress crack propagates from a high-relief area of the die, typically near the top of Washington's head where the metal is deepest and most susceptible to fatigue. The crack fills with metal during striking, producing a thin raised spike extending outward depending on the crack's orientation. The South Carolina State Quarter, part of the 50 State Quarters Program (1999-2008), features the state's outline with a palmetto tree, Carolina wren, and state motto on the reverse. This program generated enormous public interest and produced some of the highest quarter mintages in history, with production volume contributing to die failures like this spiked head. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, struck on copper-nickel clad at 24.3mm. Examine Washington's head for the spike-like protrusion.

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