SKH-10c-2003P-03 Spike Head

Description

Third cataloged spike head on the 2003-P Roosevelt Dime, SKH-10c-2003P-03 documents a die gouge near Roosevelt's portrait that produced a raised metallic projection on struck coins. Spiked heads on Roosevelt Dimes are considerably less common than their Lincoln Cent counterparts — the dime's smaller diameter and lower collector search volume means fewer examples are discovered and submitted for attribution. The Roosevelt Dime design by John R. Sinnock features a high-relief portrait that concentrates striking pressure on the bust and surrounding field, creating conditions where die surface damage can occur from accumulated stress or mechanical contact. A spike head manifests when a gouge, chip, or crack near the president's profile creates a channel that fills with metal under striking pressure, producing a raised projection varying in length, angle, and thickness depending on the underlying die damage. Philadelphia Mint, copper-nickel clad composition. The 2003-P date precedes the introduction of Satin Finish coins by two years. Cataloged and verified by Cuds on Coins.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Mitch Wilkinson
• Cross reference: none. 01/30/2025.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References