SKH-1c-1991-05 Spiked Head

Description

Market valuation of spiked head varieties depends on several factors that SKH-1c-1991-05 of the 1991 Lincoln Memorial cent — reported on March 26, 2017 — helps illustrate. Not all spiked heads command equal premiums: the most valued specimens feature large, sharply defined spikes that project prominently from Lincoln's head, are easily visible without high magnification, and extend in a visually dramatic direction. Spike location on the portrait also matters — spikes projecting from the top of the head or the forehead tend to be more eye-catching than those emerging from the back of the neck or jawline. The sharpness and completeness of the spike affects value as well: a clean, well-defined spike on an otherwise high-grade coin commands a stronger premium than a partial or blunted spike on a worn specimen. Among the 19 spiked heads cataloged for the 1991-P cent, individual varieties range from bold and immediately apparent to subtle effects requiring careful examination, and this spectrum of visibility directly correlates with collector demand and market pricing. The overall affordability of Lincoln cent spiked heads makes them popular entry points for collectors beginning to explore die varieties. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, weighing 2.5 grams and measuring 19mm.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Andrew S
• Cross reference: none 03/26/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References