SKH-1c-2008-02 Spiked Head

Description

Displaying two die defects on a single coin — the spiked head projection from Lincoln's portrait and a small retained interior die break (RIDB) also on Lincoln's head — this second documented spiked head for the 2008 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Memorial Cent presents an unusual concentration of die damage in the portrait area. The small RIDB indicates that a section of the die near Lincoln's head developed an interior crack where the fractured piece remained in place, while the spike formed from a separate crack or chip creating a void that filled with metal during striking. Two distinct defect types affecting the same design element is uncommon and makes this variety particularly interesting from a die failure analysis perspective. The 2008-P cent holds special significance as the final year of Frank Gasparro's Lincoln Memorial reverse, in continuous production since 1959. Beginning in 2009, the reverse was replaced by four commemorative designs marking Lincoln's bicentennial, followed by the permanent Shield reverse in 2010. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this variety marks the end of the Memorial Cent era with visible evidence of high-volume die stress.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Earl M
• Cross reference: Small RIDB on Lincoln’s Head. 10/24/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References