SKH-1c-2021-15 Spiked Head

Description

Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, the SKH-1c-2021-15 is a spiked head variety on the 2021 Philadelphia Lincoln Shield cent. A spiked head error occurs when a die gouge or die crack extends from Lincoln's head on the obverse, creating a spike-like protrusion that appears as a raised line or horn projecting from the portrait. This particular specimen also exhibits a reverse die chip and a reverse die crack, indicating progressive die deterioration across both sides of the working die pair. Spiked head varieties have become a popular modern collecting niche because they are visually dramatic even at low magnification, and Lincoln cent production volumes ensure enough examples survive for an active secondary market. The combination of the obverse spike with reverse die damage on this die pairing suggests the dies were approaching the end of their service life when these coins were struck, making late-state examples potentially scarcer than early impressions.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Thomas DeHart
• Cross reference: none. 06/22/2023.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References