SKH-1c-2023-05 Spiked Head

Description

Fifth documented spiked head for the 2023 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Shield Cent, this variety emerges from one of the most recent production years in the catalog. 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. Die clashes produce spiked heads when the obverse and reverse dies contact each other without a planchet, and the Shield reverse's vertical lines and horizontal bands transfer into the obverse die, creating a raised spike on Lincoln's head. Five spiked heads for a date as recent as 2023-P demonstrates that 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 the statistical probability of planchet feed failures ensures that die clash events remain a regular occurrence. 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.

Attribution History

• Discovered by William (Bill) W
• Cross reference: none. 07/10/2024.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References