SKH-1c-1944-04 Spiked Head

Description

Fourth cataloged spiked head for the 1944 Philadelphia Lincoln Wheat Cent, SKH-1c-1944-04 is cross-referenced as Cohen Index 44-85B. The 1944 date holds special compositional significance — it marks the return to a copper-based alloy after the zinc-coated steel planchets of 1943, with 1944 cents struck on copper-coated recycled shell casings salvaged from wartime munitions production. This recycled composition, while visually similar to pre-war bronze, introduced metallurgical variability that may have influenced die-to-coin interactions. A spiked head occurs when a gouge, chip, or other damage on the die surface near Lincoln's portrait creates a raised metallic projection on struck coins, ranging from a subtle filament to a prominent spike. The Cohen Index 44-85B designation places this variety within the comprehensive Cohen cataloging system for Lincoln Cent die anomalies, where the "B" suffix indicates a specific die state or sub-classification. Philadelphia Mint production during wartime demanded high output, accelerating die wear. Cataloged and verified by Cuds on Coins.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference number: Cohen Index 44-85B. 06/04/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References