2023 (P) Lincoln Shield Cent - SKH-1c-2023-05 Spiked Head

Description

This variety is a spiked head for the 2023 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Shield Cent. The 2023-P represents the fourteenth year of the Union Shield reverse design — the longest-serving Lincoln Cent reverse since the Wheat Ears type ran from 1909 through 1958 — and spiked head discoveries continue unabated across each new date. A spiked head forms when a crack in the obverse die runs from the rim into Lincoln's bust, creating a raised spike on Lincoln's head. Die variety research is keeping pace with current production, with collectors examining newly released coins almost immediately after they enter circulation. Modern cent production at Philadelphia employs high-speed presses operating continuously, and dies under that workload continue to crack. SKH-1c-2023-05 is cataloged by Cuds on Coins. The documentation of varieties on current-year coinage in near-real-time represents a shift from historical die variety research, which often occurred decades after production.

Cross References

• Cross reference: none. 07/10/2024.

External References