SKH-1c-1987-07 Spiked Head

Description

Designated SKH-1c-1987-07 by Cuds on Coins, this seventh spiked head variety on the 1987 Lincoln Memorial cent contributes to one of the most thoroughly documented spiked head dates in the series. Understanding how individual spiked heads are distinguished within a census requires attention to multiple diagnostic criteria: the spike itself varies in length from barely perceptible nubs to prominent projections several millimeters long, and its angular orientation relative to the vertical axis of the portrait differs from die to die. Beyond the spike, attributors examine the entire die surface for secondary markers — unrelated die cracks, scratches, gouges, or deterioration patterns that serve as fingerprints tying a specific coin to a specific die. Two coins with visually similar spikes may prove to be from different dies when their secondary markers diverge, and conversely, coins with the same secondary markers but varying spike prominence may represent different die states of the same variety. This multi-factor attribution process is what transforms spiked head collecting from simple visual hunting into genuine die study, connecting each coin to a specific point in a specific die's production history. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Paul Manzo
• Cross reference: none. 12/29/2018.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References