SKH-1c-1959-04 Spiked Head

Description

Documented on December 30, 2024, this variety demonstrates that new spiked head discoveries continue to emerge on coins struck over sixty-five years ago. SKH-1c-1959-04 is the fourth cataloged spiked head die for the 1959 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial Cent, and like the other 1959 spiked heads, it has not yet been assigned a Cohen Index number. The recent discovery date underscores the ongoing nature of variety hunting — patient examination of circulated and uncirculated 1959 cents continues to reveal undocumented die pairs. Each find expands the known census of dies that developed spike-producing cracks, providing insight into the frequency of this die failure across a year's output. The raised spike extends from Lincoln's portrait as a thin metallic fin, the result of a progressive fatigue crack that allowed metal to flow upward into the fissure under striking pressure. Collectors who enjoy the investigative side of numismatics find ongoing discovery particularly rewarding, confirming that documented varieties for any given date are never truly closed.

Attribution History

• Discovered by William (Bill) W
• Cross reference number:  Cohen not listed. 12/30/2024.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References