SKH-1C-2022D-01 Spike Head

Description

First spike head variety documented for the 2022 Denver Lincoln Shield cent by Cuds on Coins, SKH-1C-2022D-01 opens the spike head census for this modern date and mint combination. The Denver Mint produced billions of cents in 2022, continuing the massive production volumes that characterize modern cent coinage under Lyndall Bass's shield reverse design introduced in 2010. Spike head varieties on Lincoln cents originate from radial die cracks that develop near the highest relief point of Victor David Brenner's Lincoln portrait — typically at the crown of the head where striking pressure concentrates against the die steel. When the die cracks, planchet metal is forced into the fissure under the tremendous pressure of the coining press, producing a raised spike or horn-like projection that extends beyond Lincoln's normal hair contour. The "D" in the catalog number identifies the Denver mint facility, and the "01" suffix indicates this is the first documented spike head for the 2022-D issue — an early position in what may grow into a larger census as variety hunters continue to examine the date's massive output. Spike heads represent one of the most common and accessible categories of die varieties on modern Lincoln cents, making them popular targets for beginning variety collectors who can search through rolls and bags of circulating coinage with reasonable prospects of finding examples. The visual diagnostic is straightforward: a raised metallic projection emerging from the top of Lincoln's head, with luster and surface character matching the surrounding coin surfaces rather than the bright or discolored appearance of post-strike damage. Collectors should examine the crown area under 5-10x magnification, noting the specific angle and position of the spike relative to the head profile to confirm attribution to this particular die rather than another spike head variety from the same date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Robert Oney
• SKH-1C-2022D-01
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References