SKH-1c-1993-37 Spiked Head

Description

The relationship between die state and spike prominence is central to understanding how a single spiked head variety can appear dramatically different across individual specimens. SKH-1c-1993-37, cataloged by Cuds on Coins as the thirty-seventh spiked head on the 1993 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent, was produced by a die whose spike evolved over the course of its service life. In early die states, a spike-producing crack or chip may be minimal — barely extending beyond the portrait boundary — yielding coins where the spike is subtle and requires magnification to confirm. As the die continues striking, the defect often worsens: a crack lengthens, a chip enlarges, and the resulting spike on struck coins becomes progressively more prominent. Late die state specimens may show a bold, easily visible spike accompanied by other signs of die deterioration such as loss of fine hair detail, broadened letters, and general softness in the design. Collectors seeking maximum visual impact prefer late die state examples with strong spikes, while those building die state progressions value early strikes that document the spike's initial formation.

Attribution History

• Discovered by David Bennett
• Cross reference: none. 04/28/2024.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References