SKH-50c-1996P-02 Spiked Head

Description

Designated SKH-50c-1996P-02, this is the second documented spiked head variety on the 1996 Philadelphia Mint Kennedy Half Dollar. Spiked head varieties occur when a die chip, die crack, or die gouge creates a spike-like protrusion extending from Liberty's head on the obverse — Gilroy Roberts's portrait of President John F. Kennedy provides a detailed hair design where even small die imperfections can produce visually dramatic spikes. The "-02" suffix in the catalog number indicates multiple die failures produced spiked head effects on 1996-P half dollars, with each originating from a different die. While spiked heads are found across many denominations and dates, the Kennedy Half Dollar series has become particularly associated with these varieties due to the high-relief hair detail in Roberts's design and the active collecting community that documents them. The clad composition half dollars of the 1990s saw relatively modest circulation demand, and the 1996-P was produced primarily for collector rolls and mint sets, giving die varieties from this date a limited production context that adds interest beyond the spiked head feature itself.

External References