SKH-1C-2021D-01 Spike Head

Description

First spike head variety cataloged for the 2021 Denver Lincoln Shield cent by Cuds on Coins, SKH-1C-2021D-01 opens the Denver mint's spike head census for a date that has already produced at least 48 documented spike heads from the Philadelphia facility alone. The Denver Mint's 2021 cent production rivaled Philadelphia's multi-billion-piece output, generating comparably intensive die usage and the corresponding opportunities for radial die cracks that produce spike head varieties. The "D" mintmark beneath the date on Victor David Brenner's Lincoln portrait distinguishes Denver production from Philadelphia, and the die crack geometry that defines this particular spike head — its position, angle, and extent relative to Lincoln's hair — is unique to the specific Denver working die that developed the fracture. Spike heads form through a well-understood mechanical process: the die steel at the highest point of the obverse relief develops a radial crack under the cumulative stress of repeated striking, and planchet metal is extruded into the fissure during each subsequent strike, building up a raised projection that grows with continued die use. Lyndall Bass's shield reverse on the opposite side remains unaffected by the obverse die crack, as the spike head phenomenon is confined to the die that developed the fracture. The "01" suffix suggests this may be the first of several spike heads eventually documented for the 2021-D date, and future discoveries will receive sequential numbering within the catalog. Collectors examining 2021-D cents should check the crown of Lincoln's head under 5-10x magnification for any raised projection extending beyond the normal hair contour, comparing the spike's position and angle against reference images for SKH-1C-2021D-01 to distinguish it from other potential spike head discoveries on the same date and mint.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Robert Oney
• SKH-1C-2021D-01
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References