SKH-1c-2023-08 Spiked Head

Description

Eighth spiked head documented for the 2023 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Shield Cent, this variety continues the annual pattern of die clash discoveries that has characterized every year of Shield Cent production since the design's 2010 introduction. The 2023-P represents the fourteenth year of this reverse type, and the consistency of spiked head documentation across all fourteen years demonstrates that these varieties are an inherent byproduct of high-volume production rather than anomalies specific to any particular year. Die clashes occur when the press cycles without a planchet, and the Union Shield reverse contacts the obverse die, transferring raised geometric elements that appear as a spike on Lincoln's portrait. Eight entries for the 2023-P places this date in a moderate range — above the earliest Shield Cent years but well below the peak dates that generated fifty or more varieties. Each of the eight spiked heads carries unique diagnostic characteristics, identifiable through precise measurement of spike position and angle. SKH-1c-2023-08 is cataloged by Cuds on Coins. The rapid documentation of eight spiked heads for a recent date like 2023-P reflects the efficiency of modern die variety research networks, where discoveries are reported and cataloged through online databases within weeks of being found.

Attribution History

• Discovered by David Bennett
• Cross reference: none. 12/17/2024.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References