SKH-10c-2003P-02 Spiked Head

Description

Second spiked head variety documented on the 2003 Philadelphia Roosevelt Dime, SKH-10c-2003P-02 displays the characteristic raised spike projecting from Roosevelt's head, caused by a die gouge or progressive die crack that channels metal upward during the striking process. A specific die marker — a die chip indicated by a white arrow in reference photography — distinguishes this die from the first 2003-P spiked head and assists with positive attribution. Spiked head varieties occur across multiple denominations in the Lincoln Cent and Roosevelt Dime series, though they remain relatively uncommon compared to other die break classifications because the specific die damage must occur in precisely the right location on the portrait to produce the characteristic spike effect. John R. Sinnock's Roosevelt portrait, in continuous use since 1946, features hair detail and head contours where die stress concentrations can develop over extended production runs. No additional cross-references have been established beyond the Cuds on Coins designation, documented on 03/25/2021. The 2003 Philadelphia Mint dime output contributed to the annual production of billions of dimes, yet the specific die bearing this spiked head flaw produced a comparatively small fraction of total output before the anomaly was detected. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this variety offers dime variety collectors a portrait-area die flaw distinct from the obverse doubled dies and repunched dates more commonly sought on Roosevelt Dimes.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Robert Oney
• Cross reference: none. 03/25/2021.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References