SKH-1c-1950-11 Spike Head

Description

Cross-referenced to the BIE Section of the Cohen Index as 50-BA60, this spiked head on the 1950 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent connects to a broader family of die deterioration varieties. The BA60 designation suggests the die mechanism producing this spike shares characteristics with BIE varieties — both originate from stress fractures in die steel, though spiked heads manifest as projections from Lincoln's portrait rather than raised bars between LIBERTY's letters. Proof cents from 1950 were struck at Philadelphia using polished dies and planchets, and die varieties on proof coins carry inherent scarcity because proof mintages were far smaller than business strike production. The eleventh documented spiked head for 1950 Proof, this variety demonstrates that even carefully prepared proof dies could develop the cracks producing spiked head errors. The proof striking process, applying greater pressure per impression, may paradoxically accelerate die stress leading to such fractures. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, the Cohen BIE Section cross-reference enriches this proof-only spiked head's diagnostic context.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference number: Cohen Index 50-BA60 “BIE Section”. 03/18/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References