SKH-1c-1950-06 Spiked Head

Description

While the proof counterpart of this date commands attention for its low mintage, this sixth spiked head on the 1950 business-strike Lincoln Wheat Cent represents the variety as it entered everyday circulation from Philadelphia. Spiked heads form when die chips or breaks near Lincoln's portrait produce a spike-like projection, and on regular-strike coins these features often show softer definition than on proofs due to standard striking pressure and unpolished planchets. Cross-referenced as Cohen Index 50-64, this variety shares one Cohen attribution with the proof spiked head SKH-1c-1950-05 but also carries a second reference noted as not listed in Cohen — indicating it was either discovered after the initial cataloging or fell outside its scope for business strikes. The distinction between proof and business-strike spiked heads on the same date offers collectors a study in how identical error types present differently depending on striking method and planchet preparation. Philadelphia's 1950 cent production of over 272 million coins consumed many die pairs, each susceptible to the chip-type failures that produce spiked heads. Cataloged as SKH-1c-1950-06 by Cuds on Coins.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference number: Cohen Index 50-64. 03/18/2016. Cross reference number: Cohen Index Not Listed. 03/18/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References