1795 Liberty Cap Large Cent (Lettered Edge) Obverse Spiked Head

Description

Among the most distinctive die-crack varieties in early American copper, the spiked head results from a small crack that developed on the Liberty Cap obverse die near Liberty's head. As the crack progressed, metal flowed into it during striking and produced a raised spike above the portrait — an accidental die artifact that creates a dramatic and immediately recognizable variety. This 1795 Lettered Edge issue carries that spiked head, distinguishing it from the Plain Edge variety struck the same year. The edge inscription "ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR" deterred counterfeiting. The Liberty Cap large cent was struck in pure copper at the Philadelphia Mint from 1793 through 1796 — the young nation's first national circulating copper coinage. Early American copper collectors, working from references such as Sheldon's Penny Whimsy, prize die crack varieties, particularly spiked heads, for their visual drama. A set of early, mid, and late die state examples showing the crack's progression can represent one of the most compelling display arrangements in early copper numismatics.

Attribution History

• Discovered by NumisDexDealer