SKH-1c-1968S-01 Spiked Head

Description

This regular business strike listing documents the same spiked head variety cataloged as Cohen Index 68S-70 for the 1968-S Lincoln Memorial cent. Where the companion proof listing (entry 13 in this batch) shows this die deterioration variety on proof specimens, this entry covers coins struck for general circulation at the San Francisco Mint. Spiked heads on business strikes typically appear less sharply defined than their proof counterparts because the standard planchets and higher-speed striking process produce slightly less crisp impressions of fine die surface details. Nevertheless, the characteristic spike extending from Lincoln's head remains clearly visible and serves as the primary diagnostic feature. The Cohen Index cross-reference 68S-70 was assigned on May 5, 2020, after an initial documentation period beginning July 23, 2017 during which the variety was recognized but not yet formally indexed. Spiked head varieties are a specialized collecting area within Lincoln cent numismatics, with the Cohen Index serving as the primary reference catalog that assigns sequential numbers within each date and mint mark combination. The 1968-S business strike cent was produced at the San Francisco Mint during the first year that facility resumed producing both business strike and proof coinage after the Coinage Act of 1965 hiatus. Attributed by Cuds on Coins. Struck on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc at the San Francisco Mint.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Juan Aguerre
• Cross reference: Cohen Index Not Listed. 07/23/2017. Cross reference: Cohen Index 68S-70. 05/05/2020.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References