SKH-1c-1969S-01 Cud

Description

Cataloged as SKH-1c-1969S-01 by Cuds on Coins, this spiked head variety on the 1969-S Lincoln Memorial cent exhibits a distinctive die break or die crack that creates a raised spike of metal projecting from Lincoln's head — typically from the top of the skull upward toward the legend or field. Spiked heads result from a particular geometry of die cracking: when a fracture develops at or near the highest point of Lincoln's bust relief and extends toward the rim, the crack fills with metal under striking pressure, producing a thin fin or spike that appears to project from Lincoln's head like an antenna or horn. The visual effect is immediately recognizable and has made spiked heads among the most popular die-break varieties with beginning collectors, who can spot the anomaly without magnification on well-preserved specimens. Despite the "Cud" nomenclature appearing in some catalog cross-references, the error_type classification as Spiked Head correctly identifies the mechanism: this is a crack-fill variety rather than a rim break with missing die fragment. The SKH prefix in the catalog number confirms the Cuds on Coins team's identification of the spike characteristic, filed under their spiked head subcategory. This variety was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1969, a year when the facility produced both business-strike and proof Lincoln cents, though this specimen originates from the business-strike production line.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Marvin L
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References