SKH-1c-2018-08 Spiked Head

Description

Eighth and highest-numbered spiked head documented for the 2018 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Shield Cent, SKH-1c-2018-08 completes the known sequence for this date — though additional discoveries may expand the catalog as more 2018-P cents are examined. Eight die clash events producing visible spiked heads across the year's production is consistent with the volumes involved: Philadelphia's annual cent output typically numbers in the billions, distributed across hundreds of die pairs that each operate for limited lifespans before replacement. The Union Shield reverse, now in its ninth year of production by 2018, had proven to be consistently productive in generating spiked head varieties due to its bold, deeply recessed design elements that leave sharp impressions during die clashes. A spiked head forms when the dies contact each other without an intervening planchet, and the transferred reverse design creates a raised protrusion from Lincoln's portrait. The specific characteristics of each spike — location, angle, and prominence — distinguish the eighth entry from its seven predecessors. SKH-1c-2018-08 is cataloged by Cuds on Coins. As the current highest-numbered entry for 2018-P, this variety anchors the sequence and serves as the comparison point for any future additions to the date's spiked head catalog.

Attribution History

• Discovered by William (Bill) W
• Cross reference: none. 05/08/2024.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References