SKH-1c-1956-02 Spiked Head

Description

Cataloged during the twilight years of the Wheat Cent era, SKH-1c-1956-02 records the second documented spiked head on the 1956 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent. Cross-referenced as Cohen 56-B64B, this variety sits within the Cohen Index framework that has systematically documented Lincoln Cent die anomalies. A spiked head manifests when a gouge, chip, or other surface irregularity near Lincoln's portrait creates a raised metallic projection on struck coins — an effect ranging from a subtle hairline filament to a bold spike visible without magnification. The 1956 date places this variety just two years before the Wheat Cent's retirement in 1958, during a period when Philadelphia's cent production exceeded 420 million pieces and required extensive die rotation. High-volume production increases the probability of die surface damage, as each working die endures millions of strikes before replacement. Victor David Brenner's portrait, by 1956 approaching its fiftieth year of service, remained crisp on fresh dies but vulnerable to damage. Philadelphia Mint, bronze composition.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Earl M
• Cross reference number:  Cohen 56-B64B. 10/22/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References