1958 Wheat Penny Question

[Gene'sCoins]

Hello....... I just found a 1958 wheat penny with skull cracks like the 55 poor mans penny. Is this very common? I think this is the first one Ive seen on a 58. The whole thing just looks odd to me. Its mostly uncirculated with a couple of nicks. Very sharp edges. But even around the collar looks odd to me and around the ear. Looking for some input. Thanks again. Much appreciated.

[hamilton]

Gene: I was going thru an unc roll last nite and came accross a large die crack on a 1958 lincoln, it is sort of spider webbed thru the hair and then down and accross mid skull to top of eye . when I saw your post I had to send this . I would say die cracks are somewhat common.

[mustbebob]

Die cracks, especially on the skull were very common in the 50's. Overuse of the dies were the primary reason for the die failure.

[diamond]

What I've always found interesting about these "cracked skull" Lincolns is that the cracks form in a low-stress area. The head is deeply recessed in the die face and is therefore subjected to relatively low effective striking pressure. I've never figured out why the cracks would form here of all places. One of many mysteries that remain unsolved.

[Gene'sCoins]

Thanks to everyone. Very much appreciated.