SKH-1c-1953-05 Spike Head

Description

Cross-referenced to the Cohen Index as 53-74B and documented on August 3, 2022, this fifth spike head for the 1953 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent extends the die clash catalog for one of the mid-century proof dates that collectors have examined with particular intensity. The Cohen Index reference places this variety within Jerry Cohen's systematic classification of proof Lincoln Cent die varieties, where the 53-74B designation identifies both the year and the specific die pair from which this spike head originated. Five documented spike heads on 1953 proof cents indicates that die clash events occurred across multiple proof die pairs during the year's production run — surprising given the controlled nature of proof striking, where the Mint typically took greater care to prevent die-to-die contact. However, even in proof production, the coining press operates mechanically, and momentary feed failures can allow the dies to clash. The spike head on a proof coin is especially visible because the raised protrusion from Lincoln's portrait disrupts the mirror-like proof field, creating a contrast that is immediately apparent under examination. The 1953 proof set mintage of 128,800 sets means a finite population of coins exists from each die pair, and specimens bearing this spike head would represent only a portion of that already limited proof production. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, SKH-1c-1953-05 demonstrates that proof coins are not immune to the same die clash phenomena that affect business strikes, though the controlled production environment makes each occurrence more noteworthy.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Marvin L
• Cross reference: Cohen Index 53-74B. 08/03/2022.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References