SKH-1c-2011-06 Spiked Head

Description

Sixth documented spiked head for the 2011 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Shield Cent, SKH-1c-2011-06 emerges from the second production year of the Union Shield reverse — a design that would prove remarkably productive for generating these die clash varieties. In 2011, the Shield Cent was still a new type, having replaced the four 2009 bicentennial designs and the single 2010 inaugural issue, and die production for the new reverse was well into its second full year. The spiked head mechanism requires a die clash: the dies must contact each other without a planchet, allowing the Shield reverse's bold vertical lines and horizontal bands to impress into the obverse die and create a raised spike on Lincoln's head. Six documented spiked heads indicates that the 2011-P experienced regular die clash events across its production run. Each variety in the sequence is distinguished by the specific characteristics of its spike — position on Lincoln's profile, projection angle, and length — making every entry a uniquely identifiable die event. SKH-1c-2011-06 is cataloged by Cuds on Coins. The Shield Cent design's deep-relief geometric elements create particularly prominent spiked head impressions that are often visible without magnification, contributing to the variety's popularity among circulation-find collectors.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Earl M
• Cross reference: none. 05/17/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References