SKH-1c-2017P-03 Spiked Head

Description

The third spiked head cataloged for the 2017-P Lincoln Shield Cent, this variety shares the secondary diagnostic of a reverse die crack with SKH-02 but originates from a different working die, as confirmed by its separate catalog entry. Each spiked head traces to a unique die that developed a crack or chip near Lincoln's portrait, channeling metal into a pointed projection during striking. Reverse die cracks on both SKH-02 and SKH-03 suggest die pairs producing spiked heads were often already in advanced deterioration, with cracks developing on both faces as the dies approached the end of their useful lives. Philadelphia's 2017 cent production carried the P mint mark for the first time in the denomination's history, making every 2017-P variety a first-of-its-kind for mint-marked Philadelphia cents. Copper-plated zinc planchets and high-speed modern presses generate enormous striking forces that test die steel continuously, and spiked heads remain one of the more visually dramatic results of die deterioration. Cuds on Coins documented this variety with the reverse die crack noted as an accompanying feature of the die pair's decline.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jessica Turner
• Cross reference: None noted. Die Crack on reverse. 06/25/2017.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References