SKH-25c-2002P-01(LA) Spiked Head

Description

Cataloged by the Cuds on Coins reference as SKH-25c-2002P-01(LA), this 2002 Philadelphia Mint Louisiana State Quarter displays a spiked head variety — a distinctive die crack error where a fracture in the obverse die extends from the rim into the base of Washington's neck, creating a raised spike-like protrusion that appears to emanate from the portrait. The Cuds on Coins attribution notes include an important diagnostic clarification: there are numerous Washington Quarters with die cracks running from the rim to the base of the neck, but if the die crack fails to enter the neck itself, it is not considered a Spiked Head variety. This distinction is critical for correct attribution because rim-to-neck die cracks are relatively common on State Quarters, and only those that penetrate into the neck area meet the specific criteria for Spiked Head classification. The cross-reference date of June 18, 2016, documents when this variety was cataloged. The Louisiana State Quarter reverse features a pelican, the state outline, a trumpet, and the text "Louisiana Purchase," designed by John Mercanti to represent Louisiana's cultural heritage and the 1803 territorial acquisition. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 2002 in copper-nickel clad composition (8.33% nickel, 91.67% copper) weighing 5.67 grams with a 24.26 mm diameter, the Louisiana quarter was part of the 50 State Quarters Program. Spiked Head varieties are actively collected across the State Quarter series because each state's production generated its own population of die crack varieties, and the visual impact of a spike projecting from Washington's portrait makes these among the most visually accessible error varieties for new collectors entering the hobby.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Sandy Peters
• Cross reference: none. 06/18/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References