SKH-1c-1981-01 Spiked Head

Description

First and currently only spiked head variety cataloged for the 1981 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent, SKH-1c-1981-01 exhibits the characteristic die flaw that projects upward from Lincoln's head on the obverse, creating the visual impression of a spike, horn, or antenna emerging from the president's portrait. Spiked head varieties arise when a linear defect in the die — whether a crack, gouge, or stress-induced fissure — intersects the area above Lincoln's skull. Because this defect is incuse (recessed) on the die face, it produces a corresponding raised feature on every coin struck from that die, and the spike's prominence depends on the defect's depth, length, and progression through the die's working life. Early die state specimens typically display the sharpest, most well-defined spikes, while late die state examples may show a softer or broader anomaly as continued striking gradually deforms the flaw. This variety was cataloged by Cuds on Coins on May 26, 2020, with no cross-references to other attribution systems identified. The 1981 Philadelphia cent represents the final complete production year for the 95% copper Lincoln cent composition, struck at 3.1 grams with the P mintmark. Attribution by Cuds on Coins.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jon Rhodes
• Cross reference: none. 05/26/2020.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References