2012 (P) Lincoln Shield Cent - SKH-1c-2012-03 Spiked Head

Description

This spiked head is documented for the 2012 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Shield Cent, from the third year of Shield reverse production. A spiked head forms when a crack opens in the obverse die between the rim and Lincoln's bust; planchet metal fills the crack during striking and creates a raised spike projecting from Lincoln's portrait. The 2012-P cent was manufactured at a time when the cost of producing each penny exceeded its one-cent face value, a situation that generated periodic calls to eliminate the denomination but no legislative action. Despite these economic debates, Philadelphia continued high-volume cent production, consuming a large number of die pairs, some of which cracked in service. SKH-1c-2012-03 is cataloged by Cuds on Coins. The Shield Cent's bold reverse design — featuring a shield motif representing national unity — has deeper and more geometric relief elements than the Memorial reverse that preceded it.

Cross References

• Cross reference: none. 10/28/2017.

External References