SKH-5c-1944D-01 Spiked Head

Description

Struck in the wartime silver alloy of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese, this 1944 Denver Mint Jefferson Nickel carries the first cataloged spiked head variety for the date, SKH-5c-1944D-01. A die crack extends from the rim into Jefferson's portrait, forming the characteristic spike, but this example is especially notable because the die crack is visible on the flap of a lamination crack — meaning two distinct error types coexist on the same coin. Lamination cracks occur when impurities or improper alloy mixing cause layers of the planchet to separate, and finding a die crack visible on such a flap indicates both the die and planchet carried defects simultaneously. Wartime Jefferson Nickels (1942-1945) are distinguished by their large mint mark positioned above Monticello on the reverse, a placement unique to the silver-composition issues and designed to help the public identify the non-standard alloy. The Denver D appears prominently in this location rather than the small right-side position used on standard composition nickels. Collectors should examine the obverse portrait for the spike and the surrounding field for the lamination crack flap.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Keith Christenson
• Cross reference: none. 11/12/2018.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References