SKH-1c-1950-10 Spiked Head

Description

Tenth documented spiked head for the 1950 Philadelphia Lincoln Wheat Cent, this variety carries the notable cross-reference to Cohen Index 50-BA1 under the "BIE Section" classification, reflecting an interesting taxonomic decision to catalog this spiked head within the broader BIE die break framework. Cross-referenced as Cohen Index 50-BA1 and cataloged on March 18, 2016, by Cuds on Coins, the Cohen cross-reference with BA1 placement suggests that the spiked head mechanism on this particular variety was interpreted as related to die clash and break phenomena similar to BIE formation rather than being classified in an entirely separate category. Spiked heads on Wheat Cents emerge from die clashes where the reverse wheat ears or other design elements transfer into the obverse die during a planchet feed failure, creating a raised protrusion on Lincoln's portrait in subsequent strikes. Unlike Shield Cent spiked heads where the bold geometric Union Shield reverse produces distinctive spike impressions, Wheat Cent spiked heads result from the softer, more organic reverse design elements — the wheat stalks, inscriptions, and wreath details — transferring into the obverse. The 1950 Philadelphia cent had a lower mintage than many surrounding dates, at approximately 272 million pieces, but ten documented spiked heads still represents a meaningful count that reflects both production volume and collector examination intensity. Wheat Cent spiked heads from the late 1940s and 1950s occupy a transitional position in the broader spiked head catalog, bridging the gap between early Lincoln Cent varieties and the extensively documented modern Shield Cent spiked head series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference number: Cohen Index 50-BA1 “BIE Section”. 03/18/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References