2018 (P) Lincoln Shield Cent - SKH-1c-2018-03 Spiked Head

Description

Philadelphia Mint production of 2018 Lincoln Shield Cents generated this spiked head, a die crack variety in which a crack running from the rim into the bust creates a raised protrusion extending from Lincoln's portrait. During normal coining operations, the obverse and reverse dies strike opposite sides of the planchet simultaneously. Over many such strikes a crack can open in the obverse die between the rim and Lincoln's bust. Metal fills it on every strike after that, and coins from this cracked die bear a spike-like projection from Lincoln's head — the hallmark of the spiked head variety. The 2018-P cent was struck during a period when cent production remained in the billions annually despite ongoing debates about the denomination's economic utility, ensuring that vast numbers of die pairs were consumed. SKH-1c-2018-03 is cataloged by Cuds on Coins. Collectors distinguish individual spiked heads by the precise location, angle, and length of the spike relative to Lincoln's profile, making each entry a distinct collectible within the broader series.

Cross References

• Cross reference: none. 09/08/2018.

External References