SKH-25c-1998P-08 Spiked Head

Description

Eighth documented spiked head variety on the 1998 Philadelphia Mint Washington Quarter, SKH-25c-1998P-08 exhibits the characteristic raised spike or horn-like projection extending from Washington's head that gives this error type its name. Spiked head varieties result from a small die gouge, crack, or chip in the die face near or intersecting with the top of Washington's head, and when the die strikes a planchet, metal flows into the defect to produce the raised projection on the finished coin. Each spiked head variety has a unique projection based on the specific location, angle, and depth of the die defect that produced it. Cross-referenced with the notation "Cross reference: none. 12/21/2020" — indicating documentation as of December 2020 with no known cross-listings in other attribution systems — this variety was cataloged by Cuds on Coins. The 1998 Washington Quarter belongs to the final year of the original William Flanagan reverse eagle design, which had been in continuous production since 1932 before the State Quarters program launched in 1999. Eight spiked head varieties for a single date and mint demonstrates the range of die surface defects that can produce this visually distinctive error type. Collectors identify specific spiked head varieties by the projection's position (clock position on the head), angle of extension, and length relative to the portrait.

Attribution History

• Cross reference: none. 12/21/2020.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References