SKH-1c-1983D-04 Spiked Head

Description

Verified through the JCc-1983D_072 cross-reference, SKH-1c-1983D-04 catalogs the fourth spiked head die break on the 1983 Denver Lincoln Memorial cent. The proximity of this JCc number to the preceding entry's JCc-1983D_075 suggests these two spiked head dies may have been documented during the same research effort or discovered from coins produced during overlapping production windows at Denver. Spiked heads represent a specific subcategory of die cracks where the fracture originates at or near the highest point of Lincoln's hair detail and propagates toward the rim, creating a raised linear protrusion that collectors frequently describe as a horn, antenna, or spike. The visual impact ranges from barely perceptible to dramatically prominent depending on the crack's width and the die's service duration after the crack initiated — a narrow crack in its early stages produces only a faint raised line, while a well-developed crack can yield a bold spike visible to the unaided eye. On the 1983-D zinc planchet, the spike's copper-coated surface blends seamlessly with the surrounding portrait detail, and detection often requires tilting the coin under a directional light source to catch the spike's shadow. The four spiked head varieties documented thus far on the 1983-D cent reflect the high die consumption rate at Denver. Attribution by Cuds on Coins.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JC Stevens
• Cross reference: none. JCc-1983D_072, 07/01/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References