SKH-10c-1982P-02 Spiked Head

Description

Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, the SKH-10c-1982P-02 is a spiked head variety on the 1982 Philadelphia Roosevelt dime, positioned at 2 o'clock on the obverse. A spiked head occurs when a die gouge or crack extends outward from Roosevelt's head, producing a raised spike-like protrusion that gives the president an antenna or horn-like projection. This specimen also exhibits a reverse die crack described as "black arrows," indicating progressive die deterioration on the eagle-and-torch reverse. The year 1982 holds special significance in U.S. coinage history — it marked the first year the P mint mark appeared on Roosevelt dimes, ending the long tradition of Philadelphia coins bearing no mint mark on this denomination. Spiked head varieties are among the most visually accessible die errors for new collectors, as the protruding spike is often visible without magnification and creates an immediately recognizable anomaly on the portrait. The combination of the obverse spike with the reverse die crack suggests this die pair was approaching the end of its operational life, producing a limited window of coins exhibiting both features simultaneously.

Attribution History

• Cross reference: none. 12/13/2021.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References